Jesus Christ, as servant

Jesus Christ laid aside his majesty in order to serve humanity. His death is the supreme example of his servanthood: the fulfilling of the will of God his Father.

The prophets speak of the Messiah as a servant

Matthew 12:17–21 See also Isaiah 42:1–4, Isaiah 49:1–7, Isaiah 50:4–9, Isaiah 52:13–53:12; Ezekiel 34:23–24, Ezekiel 37:24–25; Zechariah 3:8

This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: “Here is My Servant, whom I have chosen, My beloved, in whom My soul delights. I will put My Spirit on Him, and He will proclaim justice to the nations. He will not quarrel or cry out; no one will hear His voice in the streets. A bruised reed He will not break, and a smoldering wick He will not extinguish, till He leads justice to victory. In His name the nations will put their hope.”

Jesus Christ describes himself as a servant

Luke 22:27 See also Matthew 20:28 parallel Mark 10:45

For who is greater, the one who reclines at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines? But I am among you as one who serves.

Jesus Christ acts as a servant

By coming to dwell among humanity as a man

Philippians 2:6–7 See also 2 Corinthians 8:9

Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness.

By obeying God's will

John 4:34 See also John 5:30, John 6:38, John 14:31; Hebrews 10:5–7; Psalm 40:6–8

Jesus explained, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to finish His work.

By ministering to his disciples

John 13:1–17

By dying on the cross

Matthew 20:28 parallel Mark 10:45 See also Matthew 26:39 parallels Mark 14:36, Luke 22:42; Philippians 2:8

just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”

The exaltation of Jesus Christ the servant

He will complete his task

John 17:4, John 19:30

He will be exalted by God

Acts 3:13 See also Isaiah 52:13; Acts 3:26; Philippians 2:9–11

The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified His servant Jesus. You handed Him over and rejected Him before Pilate, even though he had decided to release Him.

Jesus Christ's obedience and servanthood an example to believers

John 13:14–15 See also Philippians 2:5; 1 Peter 2:21

So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example so that you should do as I have done for you.