Want to be Great in God’s Kingdom? (Part 1)
Gleanings from the Scriptures: Matthew 20:20-28
(Bible quotations are from the NLT unless otherwise stated.)
It seems like one of the problems in most organizations is the presence of it’s members trying to “climb the ladder” or at least, attempting to be more important than others. Whether it’s in an educational setting, in any workplace, or sad to say, even in a ministry setting, there are those who aspire to be considered greater or more important than others. The higher the title and the position, the more prestigious they feel. To finally attain the position of being a supervisor, a manager, and especially the CEO of a company, is to feel powerful and above everyone else. The mentality is that the subordinates are there to serve those who are at the top of the ladder. Those on the bottom rungs are expected to meet the needs as well as to fulfill the desires, commands and the orders of those at the top.
Sad to say, Jesus’ disciples were thinking like this. The mother of James and John came to Jesus asking if her sons could be vice presidents in His kingdom. (Well, not exactly VPs, but close to it. See Matthew 14:21.) It’s comical that the other ten disciples became really upset when they heard what the two brother’s mom asked of Jesus. (They probably wanted to same – to be the most important and the most prominent – but James’ and John’s mother beat them to asking Jesus.)
Jesus then turns the power bidding amongst the Twelve into a teachable moment.
25 But Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. 26 But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. 28 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
The NKJV translates verses 26 as, “…whoever desires to become great among you…”
As to Jesus, greatness in the Kingdom of God is not measured by position, prestige or power, but by servitude and waiting on the needs of others. Importance and greatness in God’s kingdom are measured by titles like “servant” and “slave” – both of which are primarily concerned about serving the interests of others.
To be continued…