How does Exodus 21:3 connect to Jesus' teachings on servanthood? Setting the Scene: Exodus 21:3 “If he came alone, he is to leave alone; if he had a wife, she is to leave with him.” What the Verse Communicates • Personal responsibility: the servant’s status on exit mirrors how he entered. • Protection of marriage: if he arrived with a wife, she cannot be separated from him. • Limits on ownership: the master’s authority is real yet bounded—human dignity remains intact. Servanthood in the Mosaic Law • Voluntary service (Exodus 21:5–6) could become lifelong, but only by the servant’s choice. • Sabbatical freedom (Exodus 21:2) ensured no Israelite became a permanent chattel slave. • Family priority echoed God’s covenant concern for households (Deuteronomy 6:6–7). Jesus Unveils the Heart of Servanthood • Mark 10:45—“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” • John 13:14–15—He washes feet, then says, “You also should wash one another’s feet.” • Luke 22:27—“I am among you as the One who serves.” • Matthew 11:28–30—His yoke is easy, showing servanthood under Him is restful, not crushing. Bridging Exodus to the Gospels • Voluntary Bond-Service: The Hebrew servant could choose lifelong service out of love; Christ willingly embraced the cross (John 10:17–18). • Marital Faithfulness: Exodus guards the servant’s marriage; Jesus is the Bridegroom who preserves and purifies His bride, the church (Ephesians 5:25–27). • Freedom through Service: The servant’s release after six years points to true freedom; Jesus says real greatness is found in being “slave of all” (Mark 10:44). • Dignity and Limits: Mosaic law curbed exploitation; Jesus goes further, calling masters to become servants themselves (Luke 17:7–10), abolishing pride. Personal Takeaways for Today • My service must be willing, echoing both the Hebrew servant’s voluntary choice and Christ’s self-giving obedience. • I guard family commitments while I serve, never sacrificing covenant relationships for ministry activity. • I measure greatness not by authority but by the cross-shaped pattern of lowering myself for others. • I remember I am released from sin’s bondage to belong to a better Master whose burden is light. |
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