We find in these words a double reference: (1) To the character, and (2) to the office, of the Son of Man; to His character as the Lowly One, to His office as a servant. For the purpose of bringing both these things before His disciples He makes use of those marvellous words: "I am among you as the serving one." Consider three things in reference to this service: (1) Its history; (2) its nature; (3) the ends and objects which it is intended to meet.
I. Its history. It is not with His birth in Bethlehem that Christ's service begins. His visit to our first father in Paradise was its true commencement. After that we find Him, age after age, visiting the children of men, and always in the character of one ministering to their wants. At His birth His life of service visibly began.
II. Its nature. (1) It is willing service. (2) It is a loving service. (3) It is self-denying service. (4) It is patient, unwearied service. (5) It is free service.
III. Its ends and objects. It is to sinners that this service is rendered; and there is much in this to exhibit the ends which it has in view. We need forgiveness, cleansing, healing, strength, wisdom, faith, protection. He ministers these to us, according to our need. In every scene and place and duty and struggle and trial He will be at our side, as the servant, to minister to us in everything, so that in nothing we may be found lacking.
H. Bonar, Short Sermons,p. 70.
References: Luke 22:27. J. Oswald Dykes, Sermons,p. 291; H. P. Liddon, Advent Sermons,vol. ii., p. 330; J. Keble, Sermons for Saints' Days,p. 319; R. Tuck, Christian World Pulpit,vol. xii., p. 195; S. A. Brooke, Ibid.,vol. xviii., p. 65; Spurgeon, My Sermon Notes: Gospels and Acts,p. 109. Luke 22:29; Luke 22:30. Clergyman's Magazine,vol. v., p. 32.