Matthew 20:26(b)-28, "...whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; and whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many."

The context of today's verses is one that brought anger to ten of Jesus' apostles.  The mother of James and John had approached the Lord with a request, "...Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom" (vs. 21). The ten apostles were angry at James and John, "...they were moved with indignation against the two brethren." Their mother was looking for a place of authority for her sons, we don't know whose idea it was to make the request, but the indignation was focused upon James and John.  

With this incident, Jesus taught the truth about leadership, not according to the world's method, but according to spiritual reality and the Lord's method.  The world's formula is; power = authority and greatness, however, the Lord's formula is; greatness = service.  You see if you want to be someone for Jesus then you must be a servant of all.  The most powerful and authoritative person is the Lord Jesus Christ.  His example is our example, "Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many." (vs. 28)  The greatest person, gave His life on Calvary, for every one of us.  Christ is our example, and He has given us His formula for leadership:  "...whosoever will great among you, let him be your minister; 27And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant."  The word "servant" in verse 27 is a word that speaks of one who is a bond slave.  Are you willing to become a bondslave for others?   

If you desire to be a person of Godly influence you must be a person willing to serve others.

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

MEDITATIONS

1. How should a true servant view his call to lead?

2. How would you describe the difference between authoritarian leadership and servant leadership?

3. If it is indeed a privilege to serve Jesus Christ, are you involved by serving in your local church?