How does this verse connect to Jesus' teachings on servanthood? The verse in focus 1 Timothy 3:13: “For those who have served well as deacons will gain an excellent standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.” Jesus’ portrait of the servant • Mark 10:43-45—“Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant…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—After washing the disciples’ feet, Jesus says, “You also should wash one another’s feet… I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” • Luke 22:26-27—“The greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who leads like the one who serves.” Where Paul and Jesus meet 1. Same pathway to greatness – Jesus: greatness → service first, honor later. – Paul: “excellent standing” follows faithful diakonia. 2. Same basis of confidence – Jesus links service with intimate fellowship (John 12:26: “where I am, My servant also will be”). – Paul says servanthood breeds “great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.” 3. Same motive: reflecting Christ – Philippians 2:7 shows Jesus “emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant.” – Deacons mirror that attitude, so God exalts them in due time (cf. Philippians 2:9). The upside-down reward • Public respect (“excellent standing”) comes only after behind-the-scenes faithfulness. • Inner assurance (“great confidence”) grows because serving trains the heart to trust Christ rather than self. • Both outcomes echo Matthew 23:11—“The greatest among you shall be your servant.” Living the connection • Serve where needs are ordinary and unnoticed; Jesus promises honor the world cannot see coming. • Let confidence rise, not from titles, but from tangible acts of humble help. • Remember: every hidden task echoes the hands that once washed dusty feet—and the promise is the same exaltation. |
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