Meaning of "The Servant King" by Graham Kendrick

"The Servant King" is a powerful song that seeks to convey the profound message of Jesus' humility and sacrificial love. The opening lines, "From heaven you came helpless babe, Entered our world, your glory veiled," immediately draw attention to the incredible act of God becoming human in the form of a baby. The phrase "your glory veiled" suggests how Jesus willingly gave up his heavenly position and chose to live among us as an ordinary person.

The song emphasizes Jesus' purpose in coming to earth, stating, "Not to be served but to serve, And give Your life that we might live." Here, the lyrics highlight Jesus' selfless nature and his ultimate mission to give his life as a sacrifice for humanity. This profound act of love is further explored in the lines, "There in the garden of tears, My heavy load he chose to bear, His heart with sorrow was torn, 'Yet not My will but Yours,' He said." These lines allude to the agonizing moments Jesus experienced in the Garden of Gethsemane before his crucifixion. Despite feeling the weight of the world's sins, Jesus willingly accepted his fate and submitted to God's will.

The lyrics also draw attention to the physical wounds Jesus endured for the sake of humanity: "Come see His hands and His feet, The scars that speak of sacrifice, Hands that flung stars into space, To cruel nails surrendered." This imagery reminds listeners of the crucifixion and the immense pain that Jesus endured on the cross. The song encourages reflection on Jesus' selflessness and serves as a reminder of the depth of his love for humanity.

The final section of the song, added in 2013, expresses a response to Jesus' sacrifice. The lyrics proclaim, "We bring our lives to you, A sacrifice for you, In view of love so true, We are changed, renewed." Here, the focus shifts to the listeners and their call to serve and offer their lives to Jesus in response to his sacrificial love. The lyrics encourage individuals to prioritize the needs of others and to see their acts of service as acts of worship to Christ.