The Greatest Servant

Matthew 20:27-28 "And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."

Some of us still have not figured out that success in the Christian life does not come by applying worldly principles. Sure, we may appear to be successful outwardly, to a world that values and encourages certain things; but real success in the Christian life is not determined by the world, or man's opinion. If we want to experience true greatness in our Christian walk, we must strive to be great by God's standard. The mother of two of Jesus' disciples had a desire that any mother would have for her children, that they would be successful in life. She desired, and requested from Jesus, that her sons be given places of honor at His side. However, Jesus went on to teach His disciples a very valuable lesson about what it takes to be great, by God's standard. Unlike the world, whose idea of greatness is exerting power and authority over others, Jesus explained that greatness in God's kingdom comes from being a servant. The world is all about exalting one's self. It is about proudly showing off talents, abilities, and gaining status and wealth. On the contrary, being great in the Christian life is about taking up our cross daily, seeing others as better than ourselves, seeking the well-being of others, even to our hurt (if that is what God leads us to do), and being a servant to those around us. It means being like Jesus, who even though was the Master, washed the feet of His disciples; even the feet of the one whom He knew would betray Him. Greatness before God means being like Jesus, who came not to be served, but to serve, and give His life for each and every one of us. If greatness is what we are striving for in our walk with Jesus, are we willing to be like the Greatest Servant this world has ever known?

Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 7:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).