The measure of greatness in His kingdom
Jesus told them, “In this world the kings and great men lord it over their people, yet they are called ‘friends of the people.’ But among you it will be different. Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant. Who is more important, the one who sits at the table or the one who serves? The one who sits at the table, of course. But not here! For I am among you as one who serves. Luke 22:25-27
Our Lord Jesus Christ describes from the text who is considered great in the kingdom of God. It is not like how the world measures greatness. In the world, fame, power, beauty, and strength are the characteristics that one should possess to be considered great. The society and the culture even idolize those who are shameless about their immorality. In the sight of God, greatness is measured on how many you have served. The world may look upon serving as demeaning but for God those who serve are given the honor in His kingdom. When you serve lovingly and with unselfishness, you might not receive the commendation from the world but with God, you deserve to sit at the table of the king of kings and the Lord of lords. Jesus told His disciples when He went around washing their feet that He expects them to do the same to others. “For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you” (John 13:15). Jesus’ example of serving provided an image how noble serving one another. How do you respond when God gives you the opportunity to serve others? Do you take the opportunity or do you wait if someone aside from God is watching? You are important to the society if you have a number of people serving you yet with God, serving others is what matters. Take heed of the challenge given from God’s word and realize that when you serve others you are manifesting the character of God that came to serve and not to be served. “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” (Matthew 20:28). This example of Jesus was the reason why the apostle Paul gave an admonition that you begin to grow serving others when you think of others highly than you are. “Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too” (Philippians 2:3-4).
Blessings.
