More Than an Ordinary Servant


In the Gospel for today, Mark presents us with a glimpse of persons whom we can recognize as “more than ordinary servants”, but the spotlight is on ONE, Jesus Christ the Son of God, the Beloved Son of God, declared as such by God the Father, who had also made the same declaration at the Baptism of His Son.  But how can the mere label of “more than an ordinary servant” fittingly describe the Eternal Word of God, the Co-Creator and the Sustainer of the universe, the exact Representation of the Father? (See Colossians1:15-17; Hebrews 1:2-3a).

 

Ah, but here we have a powerful irony: This Unique Son of God left behind the glorious, majestic splendour of His Heavenly Home to become LESS than an ordinary servant—a slave, in fact, washing the feet of His disciples and, lower than that, to be pronounced guilty and suffer the ignominious, cruel death of crucifixion, a penalty reserved for the vilest of criminals.  Yet the irony gathers more strength, for it is this awful death that is the high point of His mortal life in that it expresses most poignantly His Great love for us all, for by it He surpassed His Own definition of “No Greater Love” as that possessed by one who dies for a friend, for “while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8).

 

What does that mean for us? In light of His Sacrificial Unconditional love, can any of us ever be a ‘more than ordinary servant’?

 

Let’s pause to look at the people in the company of Jesus.  We see Moses and Elijah—powerful men of God, weren’t they? But were they always so? When God called him, Moses made five excuses before he eventually obeyed God.  Elijah, after the amazing miracle God performed on Mt Carmel in answer to his prayer to send down fire to consume the sacrifice, proving to all that the LORD, and not Baal, was God, was found in a frightened and depressive state.  Yet both of these were men of faith who cultivated great intimacy with God and were honoured by Him in setting up this encounter with the transfigured Jesus.  We see also in the company of Jesus, Peter who would later deny him and James and John who wanted to call down fire on the Samaritans and who were so ‘nuff’ as to request places of special honour with Jesus in His Kingdom.  These men, empowered by the Spirit of God, as

were Moses and Elijah, became ‘more than ordinary servants’ of the Lord. We have no excuse.  Jesus calls us today to follow Him, empowering us to become ‘more than ordinary servants’, loving one another as He loves us and, taking up our cross, die to our selfish desires. Let us heed the words the Father pronounced at the Transfiguration of our Lord Jesus:

 

“This is my dearly loved Son. Listen to him.”

 

His servant

Jean


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Rev. Peter Espeut speaking at St. Luke’s Church Cross Roads Annual Lecture on Faith and Politics
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Faith and Politics: Rev. Peter Espeut to Lead St. Luke’s Annual Lecture on the Church’s Role in Society

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Rev. Peter Espeut speaking at St. Luke’s Church Cross Roads Annual Lecture on Faith and Politics
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Join St. Luke’s Church Cross Roads for its Annual Lecture on Oct 22, 2025, featuring Rev. Peter Espeut on “The Church and the Political Process.”
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In a year of loss after Hurricane Melissa, we give thanks for life, courage, and resilience, trusting Christ the King who reigns and restores amid our trials.
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Amid the hurricane devastation, we cling to God’s steadfast love, support affected communities, give relief, pray, and trust that His goodness will rebuild and renew Jamaica.
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Woman holding a green and yellow umbrella stands near a makeshift shelter amidst debris. Palm trees and a cloudy sky are in the background.
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Poster: St. Luke's Church lecture series. Topic: Church and politics. Postponed. Featuring Rev. Peter Espeut.
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URGENT POSTPONEMENT NOTICE: Annual Lecture Series We sincerely apologize to announce the postponement of our Annual Lecture Series, originally scheduled for , Wednesday, October 22nd, at 6:00 p.m. Tropical Storm Melissa is approaching, and we believe the safety of every participant—our esteemed presenter, Rev. Peter Espeut, our support team, and all potential attendees—is paramount. We must put your safety first, and we make this difficult decision out of an abundance of caution. We know many of you were eagerly anticipating the lecture, "The Church and the Political Process." Please know that we remain committed to hosting this vital conversation. We will announce the new date shortly. Please look for updates posted on the St. Luke’s Church website and all our official social media pages. We pray for the safety and protection of our entire island during this weather event. We deeply thank all our stakeholders—Rev. Espeut, our dedicated team, the media, and the wider community—for your understanding and unwavering support. We look forward to gathering with you soon.
Rev. Peter Espeut speaking at St. Luke’s Church Cross Roads Annual Lecture on Faith and Politics
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Join St. Luke’s Church Cross Roads for its Annual Lecture on Oct 22, 2025, featuring Rev. Peter Espeut on “The Church and the Political Process.”
Interior of a church with wooden pews, high wooden ceiling, and arched alcove at the front.
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Hands raised in prayer, skin tone is dark. Silver bracelet.
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Bishop wearing a mitre, touching a person's head in an outdoor setting with other people present.
By St Luke's Church September 30, 2025
The Enthronement of the Rt Rev Leon Paul Golding 15th Bishop of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands at the Cathedral of St Jago de la Vega on September 28, 2025.
By Archdeacon Patrick Cunningham September 29, 2025
Brothers Crispin & Crispinian faced martyrdom in Psalm 79, but trusted God to bring hope, even in suffering, ruin, and seeming defeat.
By Colin Barrett September 24, 2025
The book of Jeremiah speaks of the Widow’s Mite which shows true sacrifice - giving all in faith, not abundance. God honors cheerful, surrendered giving.
By Father Kamar Prendergast September 15, 2025
God’s Word renews us, unites us as Christ’s body, and calls us to live His mission - bringing hope, healing, and joy to the world.
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Faith and Politics: Rev. Peter Espeut to Lead St. Luke’s Annual Lecture on the Church’s Role in Society

By Archdeacon Patrick Cunningham November 25, 2025
In a year of loss after Hurricane Melissa, we give thanks for life, courage, and resilience, trusting Christ the King who reigns and restores amid our trials.
By Archdeacon Patrick Cunningham November 24, 2025
Amid the hurricane devastation, we cling to God’s steadfast love, support affected communities, give relief, pray, and trust that His goodness will rebuild and renew Jamaica.
By Archdeacon Patrick Cunningham November 13, 2025
Though Hurricane Melissa brought devastation, we stand united in faith, hope, and love - trusting God to restore, rebuild, and renew us.
Woman holding a green and yellow umbrella stands near a makeshift shelter amidst debris. Palm trees and a cloudy sky are in the background.
By Archdeacon Patrick Cunningham November 3, 2025
On All Saints’ Day, amid Hurricane Melissa’s devastation, we find hope that faith endures, love rebuilds, and that God and the Saints strengthen us to rise again.
By Patricia Reid-Waugh October 31, 2025
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By Archdeacon Patrick Cunningham October 23, 2025
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Poster: St. Luke's Church lecture series. Topic: Church and politics. Postponed. Featuring Rev. Peter Espeut.
By St Luke's Anglican Church, Cross Roads October 22, 2025
URGENT POSTPONEMENT NOTICE: Annual Lecture Series We sincerely apologize to announce the postponement of our Annual Lecture Series, originally scheduled for , Wednesday, October 22nd, at 6:00 p.m. Tropical Storm Melissa is approaching, and we believe the safety of every participant—our esteemed presenter, Rev. Peter Espeut, our support team, and all potential attendees—is paramount. We must put your safety first, and we make this difficult decision out of an abundance of caution. We know many of you were eagerly anticipating the lecture, "The Church and the Political Process." Please know that we remain committed to hosting this vital conversation. We will announce the new date shortly. Please look for updates posted on the St. Luke’s Church website and all our official social media pages. We pray for the safety and protection of our entire island during this weather event. We deeply thank all our stakeholders—Rev. Espeut, our dedicated team, the media, and the wider community—for your understanding and unwavering support. We look forward to gathering with you soon.
Rev. Peter Espeut speaking at St. Luke’s Church Cross Roads Annual Lecture on Faith and Politics
By St. Luke’s Anglican Church, Cross Roads, October 19, 2025
Join St. Luke’s Church Cross Roads for its Annual Lecture on Oct 22, 2025, featuring Rev. Peter Espeut on “The Church and the Political Process.”
Interior of a church with wooden pews, high wooden ceiling, and arched alcove at the front.
By Archdeacon Patrick Cunningham October 18, 2025
St. Luke’s Church marks 150 years of faith, compassion, and healing - honouring our past, serving today, and embracing a hopeful, holistic future.
Hands raised in prayer, skin tone is dark. Silver bracelet.
By Colin Barnett October 13, 2025
United as one body, we are renewed in Christ to rise above division, seek the lost, and share God’s restoring love with our communities.