The Son Of Man Did Not Come To Be Served, But To Serve, And To Give His Life As A Ransom For Many
Have A Servants Heart
MATHEW 20:24-28
“And when the ten heard it, they were greatly displeased with the two brothers. But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
”Matthew 20:24-28 NKJV
https://www.bible.com/114/mat.20.24-28.nkj
v
James and John's mother asked Jesus to give her two son's special positions in His Kingdom.
It's natural for parents to want to see their children promoted and honoured, but this desire is dangerous if it causes them to stand in the way of God's specific will for them.
God may have different work for them; maybe not as glamorous, but just as important. Thus, parents desires for their children are often far from God's will for them, and these desires for their children's advancement must be held in check as they pray that God's will be done in their lives.
James, John, and their mother failed to grasp Jesus' previous teachings on rewards (19:16-30) and eternal life (20:1-16). They didn't understand the suffering they must face before living in the glory of God's Kingdom.
The "cup" was the suffering and crucifixion that Jesus faced. Both James and John would also face great suffering. James would be put to death for his faith and John would be exiled.
In verse 23, Jesus was showing that He was under the authority of the Father, for: Though He was and is fully God, He did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead He gave up His divine privileges as God and took the humble position of a slave (PHILIPPIANS 2:6-7).
The Father alone made decisions about leadership in heaven. Rewards are not granted as favours. All rewards are according to God’s plans and purposes for those who have maintained their commitment to Jesus in spite of many trials.
God put us in our place and gifted us spiritually and physically according to His will, not ours, and that is not negotiable.
The other disciples were upset with James and John for trying to grab top positions.
All the disciples just like many of us today, wanted to be the greatest (18:1), but Jesus taught them that the greatest person in God's Kingdom is the servant of all.
Authority is given not for self importance, ambition, or respect, but for useful service to God.
Jesus described leadership from a new perspective. Instead of using people, they are to serve them.
Jesus came to serve, He made it His mission to serve others and give up His life on a cross to pay their debt of sin.
A true leader has a servant's heart and appreciates other’s worth and realise they themselves are not above any job.
When you see something that needs doing, take initiative and do it like a faithful servant.
A "ransom" was the price paid to release a slave from bondage. Jesus often told His disciples that He must die, but here He explained why-to redeem all people from the bondage or consequence of sin.
The disciples thought that as along as Jesus was alive, He could save them, but Jesus revealed that only His death would save them and the world. Jesus died for us that we might live-that is a very high price! Are you ready to live for Him? Is that not the least you do.?
My brethren, “The fear of man brings a snare, But whoever trusts in the LORD shall be safe.
Many seek the ruler’s favor, But justice for man comes from the LORD.”
Proverbs 29:25-26 NKJV
All glory to God forever and ever! Amen.
Please like and share to our brothers and sisters all around the world.
