“Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave - 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.” -Matthew 20:28

Power and position is always a temptation. James and John, and their mother for them, wanted the place of prominence next to Jesus in the coming kingdom – to sit at his right and left hand. But Jesus gives them a lesson in true greatness. To be truly great is to be a servant, to be a slave – just like Jesus. To serve means that we do not live our life only for ourselves, but that we direct ourselves toward the needs of others. We don’t only think of ourselves but of others.

Israel is often referred to by God as ‘my servant.’ They were to be God’s servants, God’s representatives in the world. Genesis 12:1-3 narrates God’s promise to Abraham and to Israel, and part of that promise is that, ‘all people on earth will be blessed through you.’ God’s people would be a positive presence to others. God blesses his people so that they can bless others. We are given to, and then we give it away. That is God’s plan.

Jesus set the example as the Son of God. In John 13:7-17 we read that Jesus demonstrated to the disciples the true nature of greatness: he washed their feet. “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” (John 13:15) He took the position of a lowly servant, humbled himself and washed their feet. Jesus came to serve and did this ultimately by dying on the cross for our sins. This is the very character of God, to serve and to give. Creation itself is a gift – everything God made is a gift from Him. And then God redeemed us by His grace, the greatest gift of all.

Christians are to follow the example of Jesus. He has shown us the way of true greatness – service. In 1 Peter 4:7-11 the Apostle Peter tells us that, “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” We are all given specific gifts and grace by which we serve others. Even leadership is an act of service. The only one with inherent authority in the church is Jesus, the head of the church. At the judgment day God’s definition of greatness will be revealed – and it will be quite different than ours.

What keeps us from serving? Perhaps it is self-centeredness; or maybe fear; or maybe we just don’t believe that we have anything to offer. But God has given grace to each of us, and the ability to serve and bless others. Our calling is to be like Jesus. And what that looks like is to be a servant. That is true greatness.

Pastor Tim, October 14, 2007