MATTHEW 20:25-28
25 But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 26 It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, 28 even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
When I worked in church ministry, I would often be asked if I was the youth or assistant pastor. Sometimes I would let it go, and at other times I felt compelled to say, “Well, actually I’m the Associate Pastor!” For most people, if not all, it didn’t matter, but for me, it was another step up the church corporate ladder from my days working in a church office and students work. Maybe one day I would have the title of Senior Pastor and all the privileges that came with it, like a bigger salary or even better, a bigger office!
Achieving a high status, having a powerful position, or being given respect are things that the world chases after, but God’s kingdom has a different approach.
READ: Matthew 20:25-28.
What is the context of our story?
The mother of James and John, the sons of Zebedee, has come to Jesus to ask a favour. She wants her two sons to sit at the right and left hand of Jesus. What is she really asking for? She is asking that her sons be given high positions in God’s kingdom. This wasn’t done without their knowledge or to their embarrassment either; they came along with her.
How did Jesus respond to this request in v26?
“You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them.”
He reminded the disciples how the world operated. Roman culture was all about status and the authority that you had (see Matthew 8:5-11, John 19:9-11). Yet God’s kingdom was going to be radically different.
What did Jesus say to the disciples in v27?
“It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave”
Jesus told His disciples that they were not to exercise authority over others. Instead, if you want to become great in the kingdom of Heaven, you must become less - you should become like a servant. The commentator Michael Green wrote,
“Greatness in the world is determined by status; in the kingdom by function. In the world greatness is shown by ruling; in the kingdom by serving.”
A good Christian leader does not worry about their authority, nor are they obsessed with status. A good Christian leader seeks to become like a servant, seeking the benefit of others before themselves. There’s no arrogance, pride, or selfish ambition. This was completely different to the culture at the time, and still is today!
What example does Jesus use to illustrate this in v28?
“even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Jesus wasn’t asking his disciples to do something that he hadn’t been prepared to do himself – instead, he WAS the example for us to follow. The one who had full authority over the entire universe and everything in it, became like his created ones to serve them! Jesus humbled himself and did not seek after earthly glory, but instead, gave himself up for our benefit.
What an example we have been given in Jesus, to lead as servants.
PRAY
Lord God,
Thank you for the example of Jesus who came not to be served, but to serve. Help me to avoid pride or selfishness and equip me to serve others for their benefit and your glory. Amen.
REFLECT
Do I see my position as a Bible study leader as being one of status, or do I see myself as a servant, helping others to dig into God’s Word?
Cross Reference
For further reading and reflection read Philippians 2:5-8.