True Greatness

Matthew 20:26 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. (ESV)

In Matthew 20:17-19 Jesus announces his coming crucifixion and death to his disciples (for the third time!).  What follows immediately after this in Matthew 20:20-21 is a seemingly selfish and insensitive request from the mother of James and John, "Say that these two sons of mine are to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom."  We could say that what mom wanted was greatness for her two sons - and greatness as she perceived it seemed to be based upon status, recognition, position, and power.

What follows next is Jesus defining for us what true greatness truly is all about - serving!!! It is serving and being a servant. Greatness isn't your accomplishments, your position, your title, your recognition, it is serving!  

What I'm often impressed with as I look around our church at The Stream, especially on Sunday morning's before, during, and after our worship service, is the quality of the people in our congregation who take this truth seriously. I can say so, because they show it, by sincerely serving.

People are taking initiative, without even being asked, to help setup, breakdown, and cleanup.  Others on our ministry teams such as Kids' Creek (children's ministry at The Stream) continually serve families in our church by helping transform the lives of the next generation.  Others are serving behind the scenes praying for people and for our services.  Countless others are greeting guests, encouraging others, and building loving relationships.

Their service is invaluable, and their service is not going unrecognized, especially by God!  Jesus makes it clear that serving is true greatness, because Jesus himself didn't come to be served, but to serve, ultimately serving by giving his life at the cross for our salvation!