Serving as Students of the King

One of the most beautiful invitations Jesus extends to us is to follow Him not only as Saviour and Lord but also as Teacher. To serve as His disciples is to recognise that we are first and foremost students of the King. We are apprentices in His Kingdom, learning His ways, shaped by His Spirit, and equipped for His mission.

Jesus never separates service from learning. He calls us to a lifestyle where obedience flows from intimacy, and action is birthed in revelation. As He said, “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart” (Matthew 11:29).

The world is not divided between sacred and secular for a student of the King. Every moment, whether at work, home, or church, becomes part of the classroom. Jesus taught His disciples on the road, in fields, at meals, in storms, and in the synagogue. We learn not only through sermons or studies but also through experiences—both successes and failures. The King is the Master Teacher who uses all things to shape us (Romans 8:28). Nothing is wasted; every moment can be a lesson in grace.

When we serve, we do so not as experts but as learners. The danger for many of us is to assume that because we have experience, education, or even spiritual maturity, we no longer need to learn. But Jesus places a child in the midst of His disciples and says, “Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3). Childlike faith means being teachable, curious, humble, and dependent. To serve as a student is to embrace that posture. We are always learning more of His heart, always discovering new facets of His love, always realising that our perspective is incomplete.

Students of the King cultivate listening hearts. When Mary sat at the feet of Jesus, she modelled this posture of learning through love (Luke 10:39). Service begins not with activity but with attention. We listen to His Word, for the Scriptures are the living voice of the King. We listen to His Spirit, who teaches us all things and reminds us of everything Jesus said (John 14:26). We listen to His people, for iron sharpens iron and wisdom is found in community. Listening transforms service. Rather than rushing to act, we pause to discern. Rather than reacting in our own strength, we wait for His instruction.

True students of the King are not merely hearers but doers of the Word (James 1:22). Learning without obedience leads to pride, but obedience without learning leads to burnout. The balance of both keeps us in step with the Spirit. Serving in obedience may mean taking up unseen roles, loving difficult people, or persevering in prayer when no results are visible. Jesus Himself said, “I am among you as one who serves” (Luke 22:27). Our service mirrors His when it flows from obedience and love, not from duty or ambition.

Each act of service becomes a seed that shapes our character. When we choose to serve with humility, we learn patience. When we serve generously, we learn trust. When we serve faithfully, we discover joy. The fruit of the Spirit is not produced in isolation but in interaction with others. Service is the soil where love, kindness, and gentleness are tested and grown. As students of the King, we welcome these opportunities, knowing they are part of our transformation into His likeness (2 Corinthians 3:18).

We are not left to learn alone. Jesus promised His presence and His Spirit. He said, “Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). The Holy Spirit is our daily tutor, whispering truth, reminding us of promises, and empowering us to live them out. Our confidence as students does not come from our own ability but from the faithfulness of the Teacher. He is patient, kind, and persistent. He knows how to bring us from where we are to where He has called us to be.

Serving as students of the King is a lifelong calling. We are never finished, never fully formed, always learning. Yet this is not a burden but a joy. The King delights in teaching us. He takes pleasure in our growth. As we serve, let us do so with hearts wide open—listening, obeying, and trusting. For in His classroom, every lesson is shaped by love, and every act of service becomes an opportunity to know Him more deeply.