Serve Like Jesus

​Just before Jesus died on the cross, he said, “I am thirsty” (John 19:28 NIV). That moment shows his humanity, that Jesus was God, living among us as a man. The Bible says that the Roman soldiers soaked a sponge in a jar full of wine vinegar and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. The sour wine was meant to relieve his thirst.

​Think for a minute. Wouldn’t you like to have been there to be able to give water to Jesus for his thirst? In fact, you would have considered it a privilege and blessing to serve him at that moment.

But that moment is long past, and you cannot help Jesus in that way. On the other hand, you can help those around you on behalf of Jesus. People everywhere are spiritually thirsty, searching for purpose and significance. They want to know what to do with their lives and if their lives have any meaning.

People need to know that Jesus can quench their thirst, that he is what they are looking for when they hop from one thing to another. They need to know that he meets them in their depression, discouragement, and despair.

Jesus says, when you serve others, you are serving him. So, when you want to do something for Jesus, look for people around you who are in need. Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40 NIV).

Whenever you give a drink to someone who is thirsty, you are giving it to Jesus. The same is true when you lead those who are spiritually thirsty to Jesus.

Love in action is when you meet the needs of other people in their thirst—physical, emotional, or spiritual—out of love for Christ, who endured thirst on the cross for you. The only way you can serve God is by serving people and helping others in his name.

Look at the people around you; how can you serve them? Ask God to show you who they are and the best way to lead them to Jesus.

Make Every Day Count!