Servant hood
In the old Testament: The Messiah is the dominant servant figure (Isa 42:1-4)
- Servanthood pictured in the Old Testament is not an attractive way of life (Isa 42:1; 49:1)
- Controlling image of the servant/master relationship (Lev 25 and Exd 21)
a. a servant was treated as a hired worker or temporary resident and not as a slave
b. His services were limitted (Lev 25).
- A Servant is one whom God has shaped with special
care and to whom he is personally committed (Isa 44:1-2)
- Involves a covenantal relationship with God (Isa 44:1-2).
- Take orders from God/depends on God for effective achievements (Isa 49:4; 50:7-9; Isa 42:1).
- Suffers misunderstood thereby sometimes reduced to near-despair (Isa 49:4)
In the New Testament
- Jesus is the greatest example of a servant (Mk 10:45)
- Humbleness is key to become the greatest (Mt 23:8-12)
- Jesus cleansed the feet of his disciples (Jn 13:12-17)
- 'In the Kingdom of Jesus, and in the fellowship of his living church, leaders are servants who stoop to minister from the servant's position and bring cleansing to the body of our Lord'. (Church Leadership edited by Lawrence O. Richards and Clyde Hoeldtke)
- Main role is to serve and not rule (Mt 20:25-28)
- Has a relationship with the led (Mt 20:25-28) and is among the led.
- The servant shows how things are done
- 'To be named a "servant" by God is no invitation to an inferior calling, however God's servants are always special to him.
- A servant is gentle and not quarrelsome (2 Tim 2:24-26)