But whoever would be great among you must be your servant.
Matthew 20:17-28
This quote from the scripture may seem strange to some who read this page.
Just before Jesus uttered these words, James and John, through their mother, had asked to be seated on either hand of Jesus in the heavenly kingdom. They, along with the others, often just didn't seem to get it. They had seen Jesus exhibit humility, meekness, and disregard for worldly ambition in his ministry and yet, few saw the need to emulate the Master. Rather, as in this case, they sought to use his prestige to further their own earthly desires. With the above-quoted words, Jesus rebuked his disciples. By the time of the crucifixion, their understanding of their place in His kingdom had changed. Most even accepted death in his service.
Paul, in a letter to the Corinthians said, "I go through all of the things I go through for your sakes." I am sure that Paul was highly thought of by those to whom he ministered. But, he got it. He saw himself not as a revered teacher (which he truly was) but as a slave bound to Christ. He realized the importance of stressing his real servanthood in order for his actions to be seen as Christ-like.
Do we get it? Many of us, I perceive, do. When we strive to serve Christ we are, in fact, being servants for Christ. Upon reflection, the quoted words aren't strange at all.
Charlie Wolf
