But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. (Matthew 20:25-28 KJV)
A word that we commonly hear in every day conversation is the word great. We hear it in a variety of settings. For example, we may say, that food was great, or that book was great or that sports achievement was great or that sermon was great. But as far as Jesus is concerned, greatness is not an accomplishment, it is a life that is surrendered to serving others for the glory of God. To be unselfish in a Christ-like manner is not a natural thing. Our flesh is undeniably and incurably selfish. The bible is clear in it’s teaching that the flesh can never be redeemed, it must be crucified and mortified. That is only possible in and through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit.
2 Corinthians 3.18 tells us that The Spirit of God dwells within us to mold us into the image of Jesus Christ. And Who was Jesus, among other things? A servant. Values in the kingdom of God are far different than values in the world. As Christians, we are meant to follow the servant example of Jesus. I am ashamed to admit how often I forget that I have been redeemed by the precious blood of Jesus to be a servant. In a “dog eat dog”, “what’s in it for me” world, the body of Christ should manifest a community that is a stark contrast to “corporate America.” I am blessed to pastor a flock of people who model this servanthood of Jesus quality. In a world that longs for greatness, Jesus tells us the one sure way that happens.
Every single time you or I do unto others what we would want them to do unto us, that is greatness, according to Jesus. Every time we seize an opportunity at our local church to serve others, not only at church, but in day to day things, according to Jesus, that is greatness. Be great like Jesus today saints! Serve The Lord and others with gladness.
