HIGHLIGHT
Matthew 20:26–28 (ESV): 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.”
EXPLAIN
In Matthew 19-20 we constantly find that the kingdom of God lives, thinks, and values life in direct opposition to the kingdom of the world. We see this in regards to our value of marriage, our value of children, our value of possessions, and our value of our service.
Jesus foretold his death a third time, and soon after Mary, the mother of James and John, came to Jesus with a request. Still thinking according to the values of the kingdom of the world, they asked to be seated at Jesus’ right and left hand in the kingdom of God.
Jesus denied their request, telling them that they did not really understand what they were asking, but also that these places were reserved by the Father.
When the other disciples heard of what James and John had done, they were indignant. Jesus had to call a group meeting to explain the values of God’s kingdom again.
The way in God’s kingdom to greatness is serving, becoming low, being little.
APPLY
Today as then we find it difficult to embrace the values of God’s kingdom. Even within the church, we may pursue significance, success, power, and position according to the values of the world.
But God’s kingdom values have not changed. If we want to be great in God’s eyes, we must be little in our own eyes and in the estimation of the world.
RESPOND
Heavenly Father, help me to seek not the greatness of this world and significance I can find in achievements in this life but rather greatness in your eyes. Make me a servant, humble and meek. Let me lift up others so that your name is glorified. In Jesus’ name, Amen.