A Very Special Servant

Bible Reading: Matthew 25:34-40

During quiet reading time at school, Jordan couldn’t stop thinking about the verses her dad had read for devotions that morning. Dad’s a servant of Jesus because he’s a pastor, she thought. Uncle Rob and Aunt Claire are God’s servants too because they’re missionaries. But I’m only eight. How can somebody my age be His servant?

Jordan’s thoughts were interrupted by her teacher’s voice. “Will someone please stay in during morning recess and help me with the bulletin board?” Mrs. Powell asked. The kids often liked to help their teacher, but this time no one volunteered. Jordan had been looking forward to playing with the other kids, but someone needed to help Mrs. Powell, so she raised her hand.

At lunch, Mandy asked Jordan to help her learn her spelling words. Jordan glanced over at a group of her friends laughing and talking together, then nodded and sat down at another table to help Mandy.

When Jordan got home, Mom was relieved to see her. “Hudson’s asleep, and I need you to stay with him while I take Oaklee to the doctor’s office. She’s running a fever,” said Mom. “Mrs. Scott said to bring Hudson next door if he wakes up.” Jordan nodded, glad to be able to do something to help.

After dinner that evening, Jordan loaded the dishwasher and then rocked Oaklee while Mom put Hudson to bed. When both the little ones were asleep and the toys were picked up, Jordan decided to ask her mom the question that had been on her mind all day. “Mom, how can I serve God? Dad’s a pastor, Uncle Rob and Aunt Claire are missionaries, and you’re the choir director at church, but I’m not anything. What can somebody my age do to serve Jesus?”

Mom hugged her daughter. “Oh, Jordan, honey, you are serving Him! The Bible says that one way to serve Jesus is to serve others. Helping with chores around the house—and with Oaklee and Hudson—is serving Him.”

Jordan was surprised. “It is?”

Mom nodded. “Jesus served us by becoming human and dying for our sins. He did that because He loved us, and when we serve others in response to His love, we’re serving Him.”

Jordan smiled and thought, I guess I’m God’s servant after all!

-Barbara J. Westberg

How About You?

Do you want to serve Jesus? Do you think you’re too young to be His servant? You’re wrong. You can serve Him by doing something for others. What can you do for someone today? Can you help with chores? Shovel somebody’s sidewalk? Read a story to a smaller child? When you serve others out of love for Jesus, you are serving Him.

Today’s Key Verse: Matthew 25:40 Truly I [Jesus] tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. (NIV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Serve Jesus by serving others