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Matthew 20:26-28 - TRUE GREATNESS.Matthew 20:26-28 (ESV) But Jesus called them to him and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 26 It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, 28 even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."INTRODUCTION Jesus described leadership from a new perspective. Instead of using people, we are to serve them. Jesus' mission was to serve others and to give his life away. A real leader has a servant's heart. Servant leaders appreciate others' worth and realize that they're not above any job. In your family, community, workplace, or church, remember the disciples' lesson: Seek to serve, not to be served. If you see something that needs to be done, don't wait to be asked. Take the initiative and do it like a faithful servant. [Life Application SB 2019] COMMENTARY PEARL In the kingdom of God, position is not gained through favoritism. It is not earned, nor is it received through an arbitrary bestowal. It is the result of character. The crown and the throne are the tokens of a condition attained; they are the tokens of self-conquest through our Lord Jesus Christ... The one who stands nearest to Christ will be he who on earth has drunk most deeply of the spirit of His self-sacrificing love, - love that "vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, ... seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil," [ 1 Cor. 13:4, 5.] - love that moves the disciple, as it moved our Lord, to give all, to live and labor and sacrifice, even unto death, for the saving of humanity... Christ was establishing a kingdom on different principles. He called men, not to authority, but to service, the strong to bear the infirmities of the weak. DA 549-550 COMMENTARY The natural pride of man asks for self-glory. God's way is to serve. This is one of the most powerful principles in Scripture. Regardless of position, you can always be a servant. That isn't being a doormat. It never includes doing something illegal or immoral. But how often do we take offense if we are asked to do something "below" us. Wisdom must be used, and balance maintained. Even so, much hurt will be avoided, when we take this principle to heart. And having the heart of a servant protects us in a marvelous way because God protects us as we serve Him. Are you a true servant? Whether you are a janitor, teacher or CEO of a great company, believers are all called to "be the willing slave of all." [In His Time; Walk With Wisdom re Mark 10:43, 44] Kingdom Greatness The measure of greatness in the kingdom of God differs vastly from that of the world. Our society idolizes the rich, the powerful, the beautiful, and the athletic. We even make celebrities out of those who brazenly flaunt their immorality. The world claims it is demeaning to serve others. However, God's kingdom completely rejects the world's measure for esteem, giving the greatest honor to the one who serves most. The person who serves selflessly, lovingly, without complaint, and without seeking recognition is highly regarded in the kingdom of God. When Jesus and His disciples entered the upper room, the disciples looked for a prominent place to sit; Jesus looked for a place to serve. As they awkwardly waited to be served, Jesus took a towel and basin and washed their feet (John 13:1-15). We Christians like to refer to ourselves as servants, but we are seldom content to be treated as servants! We are tempted to adopt the world's evaluation of importance. But when we look to Jesus as our model, we see that it takes a far more noble character to serve than to be served. The world will estimate your importance by the number of people serving you. God is more concerned with the number of people you are serving. If you struggle to be a servant, your heart may have shifted away from the heart of God. Ask Jesus to teach you selflessness and to give you the strength to follow His example. Watch for Jesus' invitation to join Him in serving others. It will come. [Experiencing God Day by Day by Henry and Richard Blackaby Luke 22:27] ILLUSTRATIONS I'm a kid at heart. And what child doesn't love a kaleidoscope? I know I do. Nestled on my porch rocker, I peek through the lens of a child's toy, watching colors and shapes dance and play. As I twist the tube, patterns transform and change. Blue chips blend with red to become an irresistible violet. Yellows harmonize with aquamarines, a flower one moment, a sparkling crown the next. In my mind's eye, I see another picture reminding me how different we are as individuals and especially as Christians. Each of us adds something new to this everchanging creation, displaying the touch of the Master's hand. One might resemble the bright yellow chips as he visits bedridden members of his church; another, the soft green bit as she calms babies in the nursery. Right now I'm that purple diamond, writing my passion for the Lord. If we follow Jesus, our "colors" will change according to whatever form of service we're called to during that season of life. Our responsibilities may vary, but our purpose - furthering Jesus's kingdom - doesn't. We are created to serve with the humility and love Jesus shared. When we work together in harmony, the product of our labor is ageless and beautiful. Because our service is blessed by the Lord, we become a greater blessing to Him, part of a vast and timeless host of worshippers. I can't think of any job more vibrant! by Heidi Gaul Faith Step: Spend some time today reflecting on the artwork in your home. How is each component significant yet dependent on the others to complete the piece? What part will you play in Jesus's masterpiece today? [Mornings With Jesus 2020 Devotional by Guideposts and Zondervan] My aunt Dot lives to help others. She volunteers her time in nursing homes, supplies toiletries to homeless shelters, and decorates the church for Sunday services. She seldom recruits others to help her. But one Christmas, Aunt Dot decided that our family should band together and use the holiday to feed senior citizens in a local Meals on Wheels program. She contacted all her nieces and nephews via email. And while it was the coldest winter ever - everyone participated. We bundled up and hit the road. My husband and I had just purchased a new sports utility vehicle. It was perfect for transporting the large coolers and insulated bags filled with food. As he drove to several homes, it was my task to hop from the car, knock on the door, and deliver the meals to the seniors on our route. The December sky was sunny and blue as our family caravan of five cars crisscrossed the city delivering food. When the deliveries were complete, my husband and I reflected on our day as we drove home. With joy in his eyes, he said, "That was so much fun!" People say often, "It is more blessed to give than receive." After delivering meals to the sick and shut-in, I know this to be a true word. Sharing with others during the holiday filled my heart with joy and goodwill. Diamond rings, fur coats, and exotic flowers did not compare with the gift of serving others. And Aunt Dot's encouragement to join her holiday caravan was the greatest Christmas present I have ever received. Like Jesus during His ministry, my aunt provided an opportunity to serve. by Alice Thompson Faith Step: In the spirit of Jesus, seek ways to share your abundance of time and resources with others today. [Mornings With Jesus 2020 Devotional by Guideposts and Zondervan] EXCELLENT SERMON ON THIS PASSAGE True Greatness by Pastor Ryan Ashlock https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEBAkZXd9zE LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY Matthew 25:31-46 - The Parable of The Sheep and Goats; The Final Judgment. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2021/20210524-1002.html Acts 20:35 - It Is More Blessed To Give Than To Receive. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2024/20241207-1403.html LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT https://abible.com/links/ |