The greatest serves
Today's focusEven at the Last Supper the disciples argue about greatness; Jesus says the greatest is the one who serves, for he is among them as one who serves.
Read
24And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest. 25And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors. 26But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve. 27For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth. 28Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations. 29And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me; 30That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
Reflection
It is striking that even during their final meal before the cross, the disciples fell into "a strife among them" regarding "which of them should be accounted the greatest." In our world, we often measure greatness by who has the most authority or who is "called benefactors" by others. Jesus observes that in earthly kingdoms, those in power "exercise lordship" over everyone else. However, He calls you to a completely different standard, telling His followers, "but ye shall not be so."
Jesus flips our understanding of status upside down. He asks, "whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth?" While the world prizes the one being waited upon, Jesus declares, "I am among you as he that serveth." He does not demand status; He offers Himself in service. He honors those who have "continued with me in my temptations" and promises a place at His table. True greatness in His kingdom is found when "he that is chief" becomes "as he that doth serve." Following Him means finding your purpose not in being served by others, but in serving them.
AI-written reflection on the passage above. Let Scripture itself be the main thing.
Reflect
Where are you tempted to seek status or recognition, and how could you serve quietly instead this week?
Pray
Lord, you came among us as one who serves. Forgive my desire to be seen as great. Teach me to serve gladly and quietly, following your example.