Greatness = Servitude

When the other ten heard of this conversation, they lost their tempers with James and John. Jesus got them together to settle things down. “You’ve observed how godless rulers throw their weight around,” he said, “and when people get a little power how quickly it goes to their heads. It’s not going to be that way with you. Whoever wants to be great must become a servant. Whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave. That is what the Son of Man has done: He came to serve, not to be served—and then to give away his life in exchange for many who are held hostage.”

Mark 10:41-45 The Message

Two of Jesus’ disciples requested to sit on His right and left side when He established His kingdom here on earth. They wanted the position of greatness. Jesus eventually gave them a key to greatness. He told them that if they wanted to be great, they must first be willing to serve. Jesus even gave Himself as an example when He told the disciples that He did not come to be served; He came to serve. God has a purpose and a plan for all of our lives. Regardless of how big the plan is, it is not self-serving. The plan is not to elevate you. You may be elevated in the eyes of the people, but the plan is ultimately to help people. It was the will of God for David to be king. Samuel anointed him to be king when he was a teenager. 2 Samuel 5:12 says:

So David knew that the Lord had established him as king over Israel, and that He had exalted His kingdom for the sake of His people Israel.

David was established as king, not because God wanted him to be a “big shot.” David was established as king for the sake of the people. His becoming king was the will of God, but it was for the people. Your business is ultimately to be a blessing. Your ability to cook. Your ability to teach. Whatever your talents and giftings are, they are to be a blessing to humanity. Remember John 3:16:

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

God loved us so much that He gave us Jesus. Jesus was treated like a king (and rightfully so, He is the King of kings), and yet He came to serve the people. God sent His best, and His best came to serve. We should follow His example. We have been sent into this world, equipped with gifts and talents that will be a blessing to humanity. Don’t keep them to yourself. Don’t be selfish. The world is waiting on the manifestation of the sons of God. The world is waiting on you!