Greatness in God’s 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 by the willingness to serve others. The world may look upon serving as demeaning but for God those who serve are given the honor in His kingdom. A child of God is called to serve. We are saved to serve (see 1 Timothy 1). When we serve lovingly and with unselfishness, we might not receive the commendation from the world but with God, we will. “For God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you demonstrated for his name by serving the saints—and by continuing to serve them” (Hebrews 6:10). 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 of how noble serving one another. Serving others is what matters in God’s kingdom. Take heed of the challenge given from God’s word and realize that when you serve others you are manifesting the character of God who came in this world 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 the admonition that we begin to grow serving others when we think of others highly than we are. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. Everyone should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others” (Philippians 2:3-4).
Blessings,
Noel De Guzman
www.my-wbc.com
