Oh Waitress!

I’ve been to lots of different restaurants, from fast food to fine dining and everything in-between. And at each of these I’ve had both good and bad service.

The bible tells us that Jesus did not come to be served, but to serve others. Think about that. Jesus doesn’t want to just sit at the table and make demands on others; Jesus wants to let you sit down so He can take care of you—more than that, He wants to provide for your every need because He came not only to serve but to give His life for you (see Matthew 20:28; Mark 10:45).

Years ago, and what seems like a lifetime ago, I was a manager at a Bob Evans restaurant. I can tell you from first hand experience that people who sit at the table to be served can be very demanding (especially on a Sunday afternoon after church, but that’s another story for you to think about). Waitressing is not an easy job, and it can be especially hard when it gets really busy and you have a lot of people giving ‘orders.’

Now picture Jesus in a situation like that. The people have heard that He heals the sick, so more and more people are coming to him looking for help. Jesus is given no rest; instead one person after another ‘places their order’ and waits for Him to deliver.

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
Matthew 9:36 (NIV)

I’m surprised by this verse. I would expect it to say that when Jesus saw the crowds he was overwhelmed; how could he possibly help all these people. Instead it says Jesus had compassion on them. I think the key lies within that word; Jesus had com-passion.

Jesus was not just doing a job. Jesus loved those he came to serve. Jesus was not going to lay down His life simple to meet all the demands placed upon Him by needy people. Jesus gave His life because He loved us.

Chrysta just got a job waitressing at a really nice restaurant. I’m sure she is giving great service. I’m looking forward to sitting at her table some day soon; not for great service, but service from a heart of love for those sitting at the table.

That’s what Jesus has done for us; He serves with a heart of overflowing love. Now how do you think that should change the response of those sitting at His table? And how should it change the way we serve others?