AboutJoe Norman Expertise I can answer questions regarding acceptable worship, organization of the church, or any apsect of the Christian life. I am the son of a preacher and have studied the Bible from cover to cover since I was 12 years old. I am strong in my research skills and do not follow teachings of men. Many will label me as conservative and some might label me as liberal, but I just seek to be biblical. I understand proper exegesis and hermeneutics and apply them. My desire is to share my knowledge of God's Word with others. Please always keep in mind that none of us who are listed as experts here are divinely inspired and therefore it is possible to get incorrect answers from any one of us. Study the Scriptures and decide for yourself if what is taught is true.
Experience I am the 4th generation in my family to be a faithful member of the church of Christ. I was raised by a preacher and have studied the Bible everyday since I was twelve. I am 44 yrs old now. I am not a "scholar", but I am very familiar with the scriptures.
Organizations member of the church of Christ, served as a Deacon for a few years at LakeShore church of Christ in Waco, Tx. I currently live in the North Dallas area and worship with the Lewisville church of Christ.
Question Was Christ a servant to mankind or mankind only a servant to christ?
Thanks
Answer Hi Danny,
I thank you for asking me your question. I am somewhat puzzled with your question to be honest. Did you intend to make it past tense? Is your question limited to when Jesus was on earth living as a human? Jesus, although He is God the Son, has always been under the authority of God the Father. (Please study all of John chapter 1.)
We also know that while on earth, Jesus was made lower than the angels, but now everything is in subjection to Jesus.
Heb.2:7-9
7 You made him for a little while lower than the angels; you have crowned him with glory and honor, 8 putting everything in subjection under his feet." Now in putting everything in subjection to him, he left nothing outside his control. At present, we do not yet see everything in subjection to him. 9 But we see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.
When Jesus was on earth, He said that all He spoke was from His Father.
John 8:28,29
28 So Jesus said to them, "When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own authority, but speak just as the Father taught me. 29 And he who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to him."
But Jesus did provide us an example of being a servant when He washed the disciples' feet. (John 13)
His main point in washing their feet is revealed here:
John 13:14-16
14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. 16 Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.
Jesus also said the following:
Mark 9:35
35 And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, "If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all."
Paul tells the Ephesian church that Christ Jesus is the head of the church and compares this relationship to that of a husband and wife.
Eph.5:23-27
23 For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. 24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. 25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, 26 that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.
Paul also speaks of being a slave to whom you obey in Romans chapter 6. I recommend a careful study of the entire chapter.
In conclusion, we are in subjection to Jesus Christ and serve God. Christ Jesus is our advocate(I John 2:1,2) and our mediator between us and God the Father(I Tim.2:5,6; Heb. 9:15; Heb.12:22-24). I do hope that I have answered your question. If you have further questions or need more clarification, just let me know and I will be happy to help in any way that I can. Thank you and may God bless you.
