Serving Before Leading

Christ hung on the cross before he sat on the throne. He served the people before he received honor and glory. His self-giving came ahead of his appointment as leader with authority (cp. Matthew 28:18-20).

There is a pattern here that we do well to observe in our own everyday living. Helping before leading keeps our motives more like Christ’s whenever we are called on to take responsibility. Humility precedes honor to offset pride that sometimes comes with position.

This meal represents a vital virtue in godly living, and our participating in this meal puts us in touch with that virtue. Our Lord demonstrated it when he gave himself for us before he called us to acknowledge him as Lord and sent us into mission.