The mother of James and John came to Jesus and asked Him if her two sons may sit next to Him in His Kingdom, with one son on His left and and the other on His right. She was seeking power for her sons. She did not realize what she was asking and neither did James and John. The other ten were very upset with them. So Jesus called them to Himself and explained: "You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different.
"...whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant...
just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve,
and to give His life a ransom for many."
Matt. 20:26-28 NLT/ NKJ"
In the world system, greatness is marked by high position and wealth, expressed in power lorded over others. The kingdom of heaven has a completely different value system and currency. True greatness in God's kingdom is lovingly serving others in humility and sacrifice. The currency is love.just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve,
and to give His life a ransom for many."
Matt. 20:26-28 NLT/ NKJ"
On Palm Sunday after this conversation with James, John and their mother He made His Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem. He did not come like a worldly leader riding majestically into the city on a horse, but one who is lowly and on the foal of a donkey. When He was talking to them He knew what He was about to do. He knew how He would soon enter Jerusalem and even though the people would receive Him with shouts of praise; He knew just a few days later they would condemn Him with shouts of "Crucify Him, Crucify Him!" He knew all this as He talked to them about greatness. Then on Passover, Jesus had His last Supper with His disciples. It was here that He demonstrated greatness by showing them the full extent of His love by serving them. He took off His outer garment, took on the role of a household servant and washed His disciples dirty feet. We will look at this story in our next post.
Remember greatness in the Kingdom of God is the opposite of greatness in the kingdom of men. It is the Christlike attitude of meekness and serving others
whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant
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