Servant Rule
Matthew 20:24-28 When
the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers. 25 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. 26 Not so
with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your
servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— 28 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.”
THE ten disciples were indignant – incensed, put-out – that James
and John had made a special request of favor in the coming Kingdom of God. I
think we can hear them say, “Who do you think you are?” Certainly they were
upset, likely angry with their spiritual brothers who sought special favor.
Perhaps each disciple thought Jesus had him in mind for kingdom ruling
positions!
But, alas, the ten
essentially committed the same error as did the two. None of the disciples still understood what
Jesus’ kingdom would look like and especially what it would require of them.
That’s when Jesus
spoke to teach them. He pointed, as he always did, to the Kingdom of God being
very different from any kingdom on earth. Leaders would not be chosen by the
whim of the king or through a high position in society. God’s kingdom leaders,
instead, would need “Servant” on their resume to qualify to true leadership.
Even more, Jesus
said that he had come to serve in a way that he would “give his life as a ransom for many.” Ultimately, the disciples
learned there was no room for “self”, only room for their “Savior” in their lives.
LIFE Link: A Savior-centered heart
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