This week, our Year 10 students spent three days engaged in service learning. What is service learning? It's all about learning how to serve. Through seminars, students explored what it means to serve others. They then traveled to different locations, such as Lifeline and Scalabrini Nursing Home, to serve beyond the college. Within the school, they took on various tasks, from groundskeeping to assisting Junior School teachers in their lessons. Our goal was for students to experience the true meaning of service by literally getting their hands dirty for the benefit of others.
When I want to learn about what service is, I look at Jesus.
3 Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
John 13:3-5
Jesus literally got his hands dirty to serve others. Did you notice why he did it (v.3)? Jesus wanted to show what real greatness looks like. In his time, society saw "greatness" as doing impressive things, while low tasks were left for the lowest people. But Jesus did the opposite – from his high position he served others humbly.
He took this even further when he sacrificed himself on the cross. By taking the lowest position in society, he served us all, making a way for us to reach the highest place possible: the presence of God. For Jesus, true leadership is rooted in humble and compassionate service.
Good politicians understand that humble service is key to leadership. Good parents know that humble service is key to raising children well. And at Thomas Hassall, we want our students to learn this same lesson. This Christmas why not volunteer somewhere with your child to help them help others?
