“The greatest among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Matthew 23:11-12
My friend Tim has been a preacher, a Sunday school teacher, a small group leader, and a counselor. At 70 years old, there isn’t much in ministry he hasn’t done. He’s also been a long-time prison ministry volunteer. I asked him how mentoring prisoners compared with his other ministries.
Without hesitation he said, “Oh, mentoring prisoners is the greatest thing I’ve ever done! Nothing has given me more joy than being with a man in the prison and studying the Scriptures together.”
Many think of ministry greatness as doing big things—preaching before large crowds or building mega-churches. But sometimes, as Tim would testify, greatness is found in small and seemingly insignificant places, doing what many think has little value. Sitting one-on-one with a prisoner and an open Bible, week after week, month after month, year after year is not the volunteer opportunity most people are eager to sign up for.
Those who do spend their lives faithfully serving “the least of these” point us to Jesus who came not to be served but to serve.
Without hesitation he said, “Oh, mentoring prisoners is the greatest thing I’ve ever done! Nothing has given me more joy than being with a man in the prison and studying the Scriptures together.”
Many think of ministry greatness as doing big things—preaching before large crowds or building mega-churches. But sometimes, as Tim would testify, greatness is found in small and seemingly insignificant places, doing what many think has little value. Sitting one-on-one with a prisoner and an open Bible, week after week, month after month, year after year is not the volunteer opportunity most people are eager to sign up for.
Those who do spend their lives faithfully serving “the least of these” point us to Jesus who came not to be served but to serve.
Scripture Focus
Matthew 25:40-45
Insight
Serving prisoners is not valued by most people in society or in the church, but it is by Jesus. Serve prisoners with joy!
Bible In A Year
- Leviticus 25
- Psalm 59
- Luke 23
