Servanthood requires no unique skill. Regardless of your strong points or training, you can love the struggling people that cross your life every day. As a coach and teacher, I have seen the young man sitting in my classroom, wearing the taped up glasses, tattered clothes, and heartbreaking eyes. You’ve seen him too! He’s Jesus! As a coach and teacher, I have seen the disheveled mother show up late and tired for her parent teacher conference with two little kids hanging onto her coat. You’ve seen her too! She’s Jesus! As a coach and teacher, I have seen the eager boy show up for the first day of practice with worn out tennis shoes and a heart the size of a lion. He’s 5’6’ and all he wants is a chance. He’s first in every sprint despite his size and blisters from the dilapidated shoes. His enthusiasm to wear the blue and white Wolverine jersey some day is compelling. You’ve seen this passionate competitor in your gym or camp! He’s Jesus!

When you talk to the desperate student, show kindness and concern for the struggling mother, or provide a spot on the team for the hopeful, exuberant player, you love Jesus. He dresses in the attire of the easily broken and ignored. “Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me—you did it to me.”