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. 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.”
This came in response to a request for James and John to sit in the places of honor when Jesus came into His kingdom. They were still looking at Jesus as an earthly Messiah. One who would expel the Romans and establish a physical kingdom. And they wanted to be sure that they had the most prestigious positions in that kingdom.
Greatness Measured by Service
We tend to view greatness as measured by how many people know you. Or how many people look up to you as a leader of some kind. Or how much influence you have. But Jesus made clear to them that His kingdom operates in an entirely different way than earthly kingdoms.
In Jesus’ kingdom, greatness is measured by service. It is the one who gives his life in service to the Lord and His kingdom that is greatest. Do you feed the hungry and thirsty, welcome the stranger, clothe those in need, look after the sick, visit those in prison, or otherwise care for others (Matthew 25:34-40)?’ That is the path to greatness in the kingdom of God.
Few may know you or what you have done. But if you have been faithful in your service to the kingdom, Jesus identifies you as one of the great ones. And it is His evaluation of your greatness that really matters.
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