Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant. Matthew 20:26, NIV

What if the most powerful lesson your students learned this year wasn’t found in a textbook, but in the way you served them?

A servant is someone who willingly uses their time, gifts, and influence for the benefit of others. As Christian educators, we have the privilege of serving our students while reflecting Christ’s love in both our words and our actions.

Throughout Scripture, God calls His people to serve. Jesus tells His disciples, “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant” (Matthew 20:26). Philippians 2:4 reminds us to “look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” And in John 13, Jesus gives us the ultimate example of humble service by washing His disciples’ feet. In that culture, foot washing was the task of the lowest servant, yet the King of kings willingly knelt before His followers. His actions demonstrated that true greatness is measured not by status, but by love expressed through service.

As Christian educators, we have countless opportunities to follow His example. We serve our students by seeing them as individuals created in God’s image—learning their names, listening to their concerns, celebrating their successes, extending grace, and creating classrooms where they feel known and valued. Our lessons matter, but so does the love with which we teach them.

Today, ask God to help you notice one student who needs encouragement, patience, or a listening ear. A simple act of Christlike service may leave a lasting impact far beyond today’s lesson.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the example of Jesus, who came not to be served, but to serve. Help me reflect His humility and love in my classroom today. Open my eyes to the needs of my students and give me wisdom to serve them with compassion, patience, and grace. May my words and actions point them to You. I pray that I can find fulfillment in the struggle of setting aside my needs for the sake of satisfying their needs. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Copyright Ryan Cerny.

Ryan Cerny is a Master of Science in Curriculum, Instruction, and Publication student at Biola University. He currently serves as a high school teacher in a California public school.