Come to Serve

Matthew 20:24-28

And when the ten heard it, they were greatly displeased with the two brothers. 25 But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them.26 Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. 27 And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave— 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

James and John asked Jesus for special privileges in His kingdom. That upset the other ten disciples. What’s worse, they sent their mother to ask on their behalf. But Jesus told them they didn’t realize what they were asking for. They wanted prestige, but the positions of honor they desired would require sacrifice and suffering. Jesus explained to the disciples that Gentile rulers love the power to rule and exercise authority over others. However, those who are great in the kingdom of heaven are those who serve others in this life. This idea is contrary to our way of thinking, and it was even more unusual in that culture where slaves and servants were the lowest ranking people in society. To consider them as holding a place of prominence was unthinkable. Yet, Jesus said the best servants will be the greatest in His kingdom. Then He spoke of Himself as the example to follow in that He did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.

The key to greatness is humility in serving others. Who knew? Humanity has been searching for status, power, and eminence in the wrong way. We think great people are powerful and reign over multitudes. According to Jesus, to truly be great, you need to serve as many people as you can, not rule over them. Usually, when you serve someone it is because you are getting paid to do so. It is rare to see someone serve another in a sacrificial way and expect nothing in return. As our example, Jesus relinquished His glorious position in heaven, humbled Himself by becoming a man, and gave His life to free us from the penalty of hell. Without a doubt, He is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. So what could you surrender that would benefit someone else? In what way could you humble yourself that would bless others? What will you do to become a living sacrifice who serves many? If you can answer those questions, then you realize you have come to this world to be a servant, and you are your way to being great in the kingdom of heaven.