Suffering To Serve Others

Caregivers sacrifice their daily lives to serve other people who are in great need. No greater example of caregiver suffering can be found than that of Jesus the Christ, who suffered the brutal treatment, shame, and pain of the cross so that others might live. The suffering of Jesus is made more intense by the fact that He suffered voluntarily. He could have come down from the cross. He raised the dead, healed the sick, caused the blind to see, and calmed the storm. He could have called ten thousand angels, powerful messengers of God, to rescue Him from the cross. But He chose to suffer in order to give life to those who believe.

Christians are called to follow the example of Jesus. The words of Jesus speak to us today: Matt 25:31-40, "When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.”

"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'”

"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'”

"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'”  NIV

But even Jesus needed relief from the press of service. Often He would leave the crowds and go to a remote place to pray, to commune with His Father. Caregivers today need to take a break from their rigorous schedules. Many people care for a family member in their home, and the constant press of care can become a burden that is almost unbearable. It is to be expected. Even Jesus was crushed under the burden of His suffering: Luke 22:39-44, Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. On reaching the place, he said to them, "Pray that you will not fall into temptation." He withdrew about a stone's throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.

Jesus, the greatest suffering servant, promises eternal life to those who serve Him, and care for others. His resurrection is proof that He will keep His promises. Those who live for the pleasures of the moment in this temporary world will receive their reward in this life, but those who put Jesus first and serve others will live gloriously in eternity. Each of us must choose between living for the present and living for eternity. Jesus said to them: Luke 9:23-25; "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self?” NIV

It should be an easy choice if we know the truth. Living selfishly for the present brings sorrow and destruction. Living selflessly in this life brings power and glory for here and hereafter. Those who serve are exalted. Those who exalt themselves are brought low. Both the words of the Bible and the facts of history prove this contention. May all the caregivers be comforted by faith in Jesus, that your labor is not in vain, in the Lord.   

By: Randolph Gonce