Why Jesus Served and Why We Should Too

Hey, carpool crew. Whether you're riding shotgun on the way to camp or hanging out at home waiting for your Xbox to turn on, I'm Pastor Justin, and I'm so glad you're here. Today we're diving into something that can totally change how we live this summer and really how we live our whole lives. Let's start with today's verse. It comes from Mark chapter 10, verse 45. For even the son of man did not come to be served, but to serve and give his life as a ransom for many. This verse was written by John Mark, who is close friends with the Apostle Peter, one of Jesus's 12 disciples. Mark's gospel is actually the earliest written biography of Jesus, and many believe Peter told Mark all these stories firsthand. That means he saw it with his own eyes. Mark likely wrote it in Rome for Christians who were going through some really tough times. Now in this part of Mark chapter 10, Jesus is walking with his disciples toward Jerusalem, which is in Israel, and some of them are arguing. James and John had just asked Jesus if they could sit in the best seats next to him in heaven. The others got mad because they wanted those seats too. Basically, they were fighting over who would be the greatest, but Jesus stops them all and flips the whole idea upside down. He tells them, that's not how my kingdom works. Then he gives them this line. The son of man did not come to be served, but to serve. That would've shocked the people back then. In their world, kings were served. Powerful leaders didn't wash feet or hang out with the poor. They expected everyone else to do things for them. Jesus, he came to serve and even give his life for others. He wasn't just saying do nice things. He was showing that the most important thing is loving others through serving them fully, sacrificially, and humbly. If Jesus were sitting in your backseat today, he'd probably look you in the eye and say, I didn't come to be the biggest deal in the room. I came to kneel down and help others. I came for you. I gave everything for you, and I want you to give your love to others too. Jesus would remind us that the greatest isn't about attention, popularity, or power. It's about choosing kindness when no one's watching. It's about helping when it's not easy. And it's about showing love through our actions. So what does that mean for you today at home? Maybe your sibling is having a hard day. You can let them pick the movie. You could help your mom or dad clean up dinner, even if it's not your night. That's service. In your neighborhood, maybe your neighbor's trash can blew over. You could stop and pick it up or with your parents' help offer to bring in someone's groceries. That's service. At camp, sports, or church, instead of racing to be the first in line, what if you said you go ahead? That is service. You don't need money, a platform, a YouTube channel, or a spotlight. You just need a heart like Jesus, ready to love, help and give. Jesus gave his whole life for us. When we serve, we're living like him and pointing people back to him. Remember, no matter where you are or how you're listening, God loves you. Parents, if this episode encouraged you and your kids, would you text it to another family today so you can help them discover Carpooling with Jesus? Before you go, answer this question together, what's one thing you can do this week to serve someone else? I'll see you tomorrow on Carpooling with Jesus.