What does the song "Servant King" tell us about God and how we use worship music to honor him?
I remember the first time we attended a church that played praise and worship songs. Coming from a church that played solely traditional songs and hymns made it uncomfortable initially, but God used the new songs to touch a part of my soul I once thought was dead. Thankfully, the tempo of a song offered to God has nothing to do with the state of the heart or depth of faith.
Still, there was a movement toward a different type of song played in churches that began decades ago, and this movement played a part in composing the hymn "The Servant King," as you'll see below.
Who Wrote the Hymn "The Servant King"?
Graham Kendrick, the son of a Baptist pastor, was born in England and began his ministry working with youth but later became a popular musician, worship leader, and songwriter.
With an ever-increasing desire to compose songs that moved people—physically, spiritually, and emotionally—outside the church walls, Kendrick began creating music for a multicultural movement once known as "Public Praise," now called the "March for Jesus" where millions of Christians gather to march their city streets proclaiming Jesus as Lord in song and praise.
With a strong bend for unity, Kendrick believes evangelizing in the streets promotes the church's call to repent and be light in the darkness.
When Was "The Servant King" Released?
"The Servant King" was released in 1989. Kendrick's interest in exploring Jesus as a Servant and King came after learning that the title for a popular gathering, Spring Harvest, was Servant King. He saw it as a challenge to compose a song about two words that were supposed opposites.
The challenge led to much research and, ultimately, a song that continues to be enjoyed by multiple denominations worldwide. The first stanza in "Servant King" sets the tone for revealing why Jesus is our Servant King, beginning with His departure from the heavenly throne to become a man (while still God) to live and die on our behalf sacrificially. Jesus's love and mission to bring salvation to those who believe in Him are evident through His servant heart.
Our response, as seen in Kendrick's lyrics, is to follow His example by pouring ourselves out daily for the benefit of others, with the ultimate goal being to bring glory to God.
Does the Bible Refer to Jesus as a Servant King?
The Bible does not use the particular phrase "Servant King" to describe Jesus, but like the word "trinity," it is a later theological term used to describe a biblical idea. Though the Bible doesn't use that specific phrase, several passages in scripture describe Jesus as both Servant and King. For example:
- Philippians 2:5-7. Paul proclaims that though Jesus was in the form of God, He emptied himself and took on the role of a servant, one born in the likeness of men. Jesus poured out His glory to live as a man but without sin.
- Zechariah 9:9. The prophet, Zechariah, prophesied hundreds of years prior that a future king would ride into Jerusalem on a donkey. This prophecy is fulfilled in Matthew 21:5, "Behold, your King is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey." Jesus could have chosen to enter Jerusalem on Palm Sunday with an elaborate show of power and royalty, even with a heavenly entourage of angels. Instead, Jesus, our King, entered Jerusalem on an animal, symbolizing humility and service.
- John 13:1-17. These verses are some of the most poignant when describing Jesus as our Servant King. Jesus knew His time had come to return to God and that He would soon die an excruciating death, but just before the Passover Festival, He and the disciples gathered in an upstairs room to enjoy their last supper together on earth.
Jesus stands up, lays aside His outer garments, takes a towel, and ties it around His waist. He pours water into a basin, washing the disciples' feet and drying them with a towel. But it took a lot of work as the roads in Jerusalem were dirty and dusty. (Because of the dusty and sometimes muddy conditions, it was customary for servants and enslaved people in a household to wash guests' feet.) In fact, they were the only people who could because the master of the house didn't perform menial tasks. And here is Jesus, King of Kings and Lord of Lords, bending the knee to wash filthy feet as a sign of His love for them.
Why Is It Important to Understand Jesus as a Servant King?
It's important to understand Jesus as a Servant King because we are to follow His example of humbling ourselves and serving others. After all, we are God's representation on earth. In our "me-centered" culture, humility, and a willingness to serve others, especially during challenging and inconvenient times, are a bright light in the dark world.
Jesus says it best in John 13:15-17. In the Upper Room, after washing the disciples' feet, Jesus asked the disciples if they understood what he had done for them. Setting the perfect example as 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' He reminded them that they should wash one another's feet just as He did theirs.
Jesus says, "I have set an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them." (Italics mine)
Mark 10:42-45 demonstrates the importance of understanding Jesus as Servant King by example. James and John argue about who will sit on which side of Jesus when in glory. After explaining why that wasn't possible, Jesus reminds the twelve disciples how rulers and high officials exercise authority over the Gentiles and how they will not follow that type of leadership. In verse 45, Jesus says, "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many."
What Does the Hymn Servant King Remind Us about Jesus?
The hymn "Servant King" references biblical ideas about Jesus' traits and titles, ones that we should remember. These traits set an example for Christ-followers to follow in His footsteps.
We are to imitate:
1. Jesus's humility. He laid his due glory aside to become a man. Regardless of any earthly "title" we possess, set it aside and sacrificially serve others with the love of Christ.
2. Jesus's love for God. John 5:3 says this is love for God: obedience. Jesus was obedient to death, even death on the cross. Our true measure of love for God is determined by how we obey His commands.
3. Jesus's love for brothers and sisters in Christ. John 13:1 takes us back to the Upper Room. Jesus knew His time to leave was drawing near. John says, "Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end." Jesus loved the utmost, including the desire to serve, forgive, and ultimately die on the cross, reminding us how we're to love others through serving, but also by being patient, or biting the tongue to prevent hurt feelings, or forgiving when it's the last thing our flesh wants to do.
4. Jesus's love for even enemies. Judas, who betrayed Jesus, was at the table when He washed the disciples' feet. Jesus knew Judas would betray Him but served him regardless from a heart of grace and mercy. As we become more intentional in loving our "enemies," we become more like Jesus, our Servant King.
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