Title: The Son of Man Did Not Come to Be Served
Scripture: Matthew 20:28
The disciples were arguing about who was greatest. They wanted the seats of honor in Jesus' kingdom. They thought following Jesus meant climbing a ladder of power and recognition. But Jesus stops their foolishness dead in its tracks.
He tells them plainly that greatness in His kingdom means becoming a servant. The first must be slave of all. This turns the world's values upside down. In the world's eyes, servants are at the bottom. But Jesus makes service the mark of true greatness.
Then Jesus drops the ultimate bombshell. He, the eternal Son of God, did not come to be served but to serve. Think about that. The One who spoke galaxies into existence came not to demand our service but to serve us. He who deserves infinite worship chose instead to wash dirty feet.
This service reached its climax when He gave His life as a ransom for many. He didn't just teach us about service. He served us in the most costly way possible. He paid the debt we owed to God with His own blood. We were slaves to sin, and He bought our freedom at the price of His life.
This means Christianity is fundamentally about receiving, not achieving. You don't earn God's favor through your service. Christ served you first. He ransomed you when you were still His enemy. Everything in the Christian life flows from this received service, not toward it.
So stop trying to impress God with your dedication. Instead, marvel that the Son of Man served you. Let this gospel truth free you from both pride and despair. You are not your own. You were bought with a price. Now serve others not to gain status, but because Christ's service has made you a free child of God.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, we confess that like Your disciples, we often jockey for position and recognition. Thank You that You did not come to be served but to serve, and to give Your life for us. Let the truth of Your ransom free us from our selfish ambitions. Make us servants who reflect Your servant heart. Amen.
