But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave. Matthew 20:26-27 NABRE
Jesus is asked a question about roles and authority in His Kingdom. Jesus answers the specific question and turns to all present providing a general teaching. Jesus speaks first about how the rulers of the world exercise authority in their kingdoms. These rulers are often arrogant and domineering, seeking to be approved and highly regarded for the impact of their power. Jesus’ Kingdom does not hold authority in the same manner as these earthly leaders. Jesus’ leadership is radically different from any authority we might have experienced in life. If you want to be great, you must exchange pride for humility and become a servant to others. Jesus also says if in His Kingdom there is a selection for who shall be first it will go to the one most willing to be a slave for all, someone whose service for others includes any task that another may need, even the most menial.
Jesus model for authority is always that the weakest shall shame the strongest and the most foolish shall shame the wisest (see 1 Corinthians 1:27.) We would do well to spend more time with the materially poor, those with mental illness or some other mental disability, those we might usually walk by without notice. If we take time with those considered weak or foolish by the world we just may be meeting Christ’s number one disciple. I have always been inspired by those the world discounts when I have taken the time to listen to them, they for me are teachers of the heart.
Who has surprised you with inspiration? How do you serve?
We would do well to spend more time with the materially poor, those with mental illness or some other mental disability, those we might usually walk by without notice, we just may be meeting Christ's number one disciple. Click To Tweet#bible #godisgreat #jesus #christianity #dailybibleverse @youversion #BeAnEncourager #first #servant #Matthew #everybodyalways #god #jesuschrist #jesussaves #godisgood #dailydevotion #biblestudy #scripture #bibleverse #verseoftheday #cross #last #Matthew #loveeachother #godisgreat #thisVineyard #youversion #everythingalways