Luke 22:27b, “But I am among you as the one who serves.”
Jesus had just shared the last supper with His disciples, speaking to them of his pending sacrifice in terms of his own body and blood (Luke 22:14-23). He was soon to fulfill the ultimate act of loving service the world has ever witnessed. It was the work He had come to do: “For even the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve and give His life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). Think of it… the eternal Son of God stepped down from the glory of heaven, put aside his glorious array, and dressed down to the occasion. From His lowly birth to His loving sacrifice on the cross, He lived the life of a servant, always putting the needs of others first. Never a self-centered thought, word, or deed.
Jesus and His disciples finished their meal, and “a dispute also arose among (his disciples), as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest” (Luke 22:24). There had been other such disputes on prior occasions, but in this context, the disciples’ childish behavior appears extraordinarily despicable. The juxtaposition between the attitude of Jesus and that of His disciples is telling. At the heart of sin is pride, and pride shows itself in a self-interest that is devoid of loving concern for others. As Jesus was making His way to the cross to die for our sins, the disciples were fighting the “King of the Hill” kid’s game. But we are not unlike them.
In response, Jesus spoke to them, as He had on previous occasions, of the difference between God’s way and man’s way regarding what defines greatness (Mark 10:42-45; Luke 22:24-27). In concluding His instruction, Jesus said, “But I among you as the one who serves.” What a beautiful statement! How glorious is the Lord Jesus in His holy and sinless ways! The world has its own ideas about what constitutes greatness—power, wealth, athletic prowess, notoriety, fame, etc. But God defines greatness in terms of servanthood, and Jesus has set forth the preeminent example.
Would it be that we would look at life as Jesus did (Philippians 2:3)! That we’d measure our lives according to His attitude: “I am among you as one who serves.” In our marriages and families. In our church and in our community. At the job or in the school. That we would deliberately choose the less traveled path of a humble servant, according to Jesus’ example (Philippians 2:3-8). To do so, whether or not anyone notices, our chief concern being to please Jesus. Serving Jesus by putting the needs of others ahead of our own. “Make me a servant,” the song says, “Humble and meek. Lord, let me lift up, those who are weak. And may the prayer of my heart always be: Make me a servant, make me a servant, make me a servant. Today.”
Lord grant me the strength and wisdom, by the Spirit and your grace, to follow in your steps to be a servant of others—just like You!
Author: looking2jesus13
Jerry L. Conklin was born and raised in Hillsboro, Oregon. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served for six years in the Navy’s Nuclear Power Program. He was assigned to the USS *Omaha* (SSN-692), a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, where he served as a reactor-plant electrical operator. His military service took him to ports and locations throughout the world and provided extensive technical training, leadership experience, and an enduring appreciation for those who serve in the Armed Forces.
Following his Navy service, Jerry earned a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Technology from Thomas Edison State University. He worked at the Trojan Nuclear Plant near Rainier, Oregon, first as a reactor operator and later as a training specialist. After sensing God’s call to pastoral ministry, he left the nuclear-power industry and earned a master’s degree in theology from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland, Oregon.
Jerry served for twenty-seven and a half years as senior pastor of Lewis and Clark Bible Church in Astoria, Oregon. During those years, he preached and taught the Scriptures, provided pastoral counseling, performed weddings and memorial services, trained church leaders, and served individuals and families throughout the community. He also served as a fire department chaplain and participated in a variety of community ministries.
After retiring from full-time pastoral ministry, Jerry and his wife, Laura, moved to Heppner, Oregon. There he served for approximately four years as a chaplain with Pioneer Memorial Home Health and Hospice, providing spiritual and emotional support to more than 150 patients and their families. In 2023, the Oregon Association for Home Care honored him as its Chaplain of the Year.
Jerry also helped establish South Morrow County Seniors Matter, a nonprofit organization created to address the needs of older adults following the COVID-19 pandemic. As chairman, he worked with community leaders and volunteers to develop a weekly senior meal program, a monthly veterans’ lunch, and other activities and services. The organization served hundreds of seniors, mobilized more than 200 volunteers, and received statewide and national recognition. In 2025, Jerry was named Heppner’s Man of the Year, and his community service was later recognized by United States Senator Jeff Merkley.
International missions have also been an important part of Jerry’s ministry. He has made ten trips to Uganda, where he has taught at pastors’ conferences, preached in churches, participated in Bible-school graduations, distributed Bibles and Christian materials, and encouraged local pastors and ministry leaders. He developed the discipleship booklet *First Steps with Jesus* to help new believers understand and grow in their faith.
Jerry is the author of numerous books, Bible studies, devotionals, and teaching resources, including works centered on prayer, Christian hope, spiritual growth, and the person of Jesus Christ. His decades of preaching and teaching reflect his commitment to presenting biblical truth clearly, practically, and faithfully.
Jerry and Laura were married for nearly forty-two years and raised four children. They were also blessed with three grandchildren. Laura passed away in August 2025 following an eight-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. Jerry currently lives in Hillsboro, where he helps care for his elderly father. He continues to preach, teach, write, and serve others through pastoral and community ministry.
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