01/19/2024 – Service: The way to greatness
Matthew 20: 24 When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers. 25 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many
One of the reasons we reject opportunities to serve is that we view servants as inferior in terms of social status. We would rather have a position of command. But Christ revealed that you cannot achieve greatness without service. Jesus, in His Divine and human nature, is invited to sit at the right hand of the Father because of His work as a servant. He is given the name above all names because of His victory as a servant.
When God created us, when He called us, He designed and equipped us to become His servants. I invite you to seek this title for your life. The most important title on this earth is available to you. Many positions are available because the need is great and so few want to serve. Our natural desire is to be served. The motivation that drives most people to God is not to serve Him, bot to have God serve in some way. To tap into His power for our benefit. John and James, the sons of Zebedee had heard and believed the promise of a throne for each of the disciples. They quickly decided that they should be in closest proximity to the king of kings, and that they could obtain this privilege by asking before the others.
Earthly privileges can be achieved through competition- by outsmarting and outworking and overpowering others. Not so in the kingdom of God. Every privilege is obtained through service.