Jesus’ ministry involved serving people. Often he ministered to people’s physical needs. He fed people. He healed people from ills of body and soul. These miracles had theological import, but don’t forget that they also ministered to real people’s needs. Jesus’ ministry continued through his disciples who served people. Jesus’ ministry continues through us as we serve people in Jesus’ name.

No one said being a servant was easy or pleasant. It was not easy or pleasant for Jesus. Jesus was not appreciated either. On one occasion Jesus healed 10 lepers. Only one of them came back to thank him. As you read the account in the Bible, it is hard not to hear the hurt in his voice. "Were there not 10 who were healed? Where are the other nine?" When Jesus healed and fed people, the critics were never far behind. Our serving in Christ’s name may face similar grief, but then we share in the suffering of Jesus.

Deacons lead the way in this ministry. They are the ones who serve in a special way. They are also the ones who lead and educate the church in serving in this way. Deacons become experienced in the ministry of mercy, so when a crisis happens, they know what to do and how to help people.

Paul gives the requirements for a deacon. We might think that the main requirement is that deacons should be good with money, or with their hands or something practical. It is not. Deacons are to be worthy of respect. The original deacons of Acts 6 were men who were full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom. The fundamental requirement for a deacon is the changed life that comes through faith in Christ and the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Deacons are to be sincere, not double-tongued. They must speak plainly and honestly to all people. It will not do to have deacons talking out of both sides of their mouths. Not indulging in much wine and not pursuing dishonest gain. These are similar to the requirements for elders. It is important that those who were caring for the poor would not take the money set aside for those in need and use it on themselves.

Let them be tested first. You do not just grab someone and sign him up to be a deacon. Have you seen the work of God demonstrated in this person? Do you know this person’s faith and life? Is there a track record? It is the same for the deacons as it was for the elders. Check them out. Do you see their heart for ministry? Do you see how they care for people?

Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus. If you are a deacon and you serve well, those who matter will think well of you. The Lord Jesus will think and speak well of you and you will know it. You will know the reality of the power of God in you through your serving and you will have a great and deep assurance that God is with you. There is no greater thrill than to have God touch someone through you. Have you known this thrill, to see God’s touch come through your hands?

Paul writes about deacons and elders so we may know how to conduct ourselves in the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. The elders and deacons are needed for the church. We are bound together in the Spirit of love to form the body of Christ, which is the church. How important is the church? It is the pillar and foundation of the truth. The precious Gospel is communicated through the church. The truth of the new life in Christ is lived out in the church. These offices are needed for the health of the pillar and foundation of the truth of God.

There is a physical side of being spiritual. Our faith expresses itself through action. The deacons deal with the physical side of being spiritual all the time. There are constantly people in need who need a hand up or a hand out. There are people who are ill and unable to cope. The deacons have a ministry of sympathy and service. Pray for your deacons in their ministry. Pray for your own heart, how you can help them, or perhaps join them in this vital ministry.