Original Broadcast: September 2008
Monthly Theme: Stewardship
[Jesus] did not count equality with God something to be grasped,
but made Himself nothing, taking the form of a servant,
being born in the likeness of men.
(Philippians 2:6-7)
If we go all the way back to the Old English meaning of steward, we see that it is, above all, a "household keeper". In its basic essence, a steward is a servant to the master of the house. And that's what we see Jesus being praised for by St. Paul: becoming a servant--a steward of God.
When Jesus was preparing the Apostles for His death, He sat in the upper room on Maundy Thursday and washed everyone's feet. That was the steward's job in the house. He was to make sure that everyone who entered had the dust and dung washed off his feet as he entered the house. He teaches throughout His ministry, "The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve" (Matthew 20:28; Mark 10:45).
Jesus truly made Himself nothing in His Incarnation. But as He said to His disciples after washing their feet, He says to all Christians, "I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you" (John 15:15). Jesus was the servant for everyone He came into contact with. That's the example He gives for His faithful stewards. We're to be everyone's servant. Be a faithful steward today by being a servant to someone in your life. Amen.
