During Jesus' ministry, a lady asked Him to let her 2 sons sit in positions of power in His kingdom. Jesus explained to her and the twelve apostles what was most important in OUR lives. Let's take a look:
Matthew 20:20-28 NIV
[20] Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him. [21] “What is it you want?” he asked. She said, “Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.” [22] “You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said to them. “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?” “We can,” they answered. [23] Jesus said to them, “You will indeed drink from my cup, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by my Father.” [24] When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers. [25] Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. [26] Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, [27] and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— [28] just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
He gave them the proper perspective about desiring to sit in positions of authority, wanting to elevate onesself above others, having others serve you, etc. This is part of the "patterns of this world" we are told not to conform to. This is part of the "pride of life" we can all be tempted with. Jesus tells us what is most important in the kingdom of God and showed it by his example.
Matthew 20:26b.-28 NIV
[26b.] Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, [27] and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— [28] just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
At this point you may be thinking, "Oh come on man, I don't want to do that." Chances are, we are all already doing that to some extent already. Most jobs and careers are done in the service of others. So the concept is not new, being a servant.
However, the motivation behind it is different as Christians. The world view focuses on self and "climbing the ladder of success" for ourselves. It's all me,me,me. We all know this. People want to become great in the eyes of men. It's how the world thinks.
Jesus said don't be focused on all that. Instead, desire to be the person who loves people, who helps and serves them. Be the person who does good deeds for others out of a heart of love. Do it because you want to, not because you think you have to.
Why is this the most important thing? Because this is how love expresses itself, through good deeds. When we love people, we do things for them. By our love, God can draw people to Himself so they can be saved.
Matthew 5:16 NIV [16] In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
That's the whole point, that others can be saved and have the gift of eternal life. By our actions, serving others (all mankind) with our love, God can draw people to Himself and He can save them like he saved us.
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Love you all,
Jeffrey Post
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