5 Minute Read

Prepare Your Heart

To the best of your ability, get rid of all distractions. Take a few minutes to breathe deeply and quiet yourself in the Lord’s presence. Then, ask the Lord to speak to you in this time. Let Him know that you will listen and make whatever adjustments He will reveal to you.

Read God’s Word

1 Chronicles 3-4
John 15:1-25

A Verse for Today

Slowly and reflectively read the following verse(s) and listen to what God will say to you through His written Word. Consider writing down any insights He reveals to you.

John 15:15 (CSB): “I do not call you servants anymore, because a servant doesn’t know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything I have heard from my Father.”

Reflecting on God’s Word

The truth in John 15:15 is powerful. Jesus chose not to call his followers “servants” anymore but “friends.” He said that His followers wouldn’t be people who mindlessly did His every bidding. Instead, they were people who delighted in a relationship with Him even as they joined Him in what He was doing.

But, there are two more very important points I want to highlight as we consider what Jesus said.

First, many of our English Bible translations did not accurately translate this verse, or others like it. There were servants in first-century Jewish culture, and the Greek word for servant was “diakonos.” It is where we get our word “deacon” from. But that word isn’t used in John 15:15. Instead, the Greek word used is “doulos” which doesn’t mean “servant,” it means “slave.”

The difference between these words is massive. A servant could work for one boss in the morning and then another boss in the evening. But a slave was owned and only had one master. A slave was property and had no choice but to do what his master told him to do.

Clearly, Jesus initially saw His relationship with His disciples as a benevolent master and his slaves. Jesus called them to follow Him and then expected them to learn from Him and obey Him. But in John 15:15, He said that the slave relationship was no more. They were no longer slaves but His friends.

However …

When we look at the way most of the New Testament writers introduced themselves at the beginning of their letters, they didn’t introduce themselves as Jesus’ friends. They often continued to say that they were willing slaves. It’s like they used it as a badge of honor to say that they were slaves of God and slaves of King Jesus.

Here is a list (remember, the Greek word “doulos” ALWAYS means a slave and never a servant):

Romans 1:1 (CSB): “Paul, a servant (“doulos”) of Christ Jesus, …”
Philippians 1:1 (CSB): “Paul and Timothy, servants (“doulos”) of Christ Jesus: …”
Titus 1:1 (CSB): “Paul, a servant (“doulos”) of God …”
James 1:1 (CSB): “James, a servant (“doulos”) of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ: …”
2 Peter 1:1 (CSB): “Simeon Peter, a servant (“doulos”) and an apostle of Jesus Christ: …”
Jude 1 (CSB): “Jude, a servant (“doulos”) of Jesus Christ …”
Revelation 1:1 (CSB): “The revelation of Jesus Christ that God gave him to show his servants (“doulos”) what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant (“doulos”) John,”

Every single writer of a New Testament letter (except the author of Hebrews – I don’t think it was Paul) chose to continue referring to themselves as “slaves” in regard to their relationship with their God.

Why, especially given that Jesus had made it clear that they weren’t to be called His slaves but His friends?

Trying to put myself in their shoes, it seems to me that while it doesn’t guarantee an easy life, being Jesus’ slave makes life super-simple. If we see ourselves as slaves of our God, then all we need to do is simply, continuously ask ourselves the question: “What does Jesus want me to do?” When the answer becomes clear, we do it. No hesitation. We realize the simplicity of 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, where we are told that we don’t belong to ourselves because we were bought at a price (we’re slaves). All that is left is to determine how best we can glorify God in our bodies.

So, my friend, if you are saved, then you are a friend of God. But, even though Jesus said His followers are no longer slaves, the first-century saints wore that title as a badge of honor. Maybe we need to consider following their example.

Spend Time in Prayer

  • Ask God to help you realize all that Jesus has done to save you.
  • Ask God to help you live as His grateful slave, knowing there is no better Master to serve than Him.

Going Deeper

If you want to dig a little deeper into being a slave of Jesus, consider reading the following GotQuestions article:

“What is a bondservant / bond-servant?”

I would also encourage you to get the book “Slave” by John MacArthur. It is incredibly insightful and thoroughly biblical.

Sharing

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Matt Ellis is the pastor of First Baptist Church in Polk City, Florida (fbcpolkcity.com)