To serve, a higher calling

Matthew 20:20-28.

Question: Would you want your mum to visit your workplace? And if yes, would you be happy for her to meet your boss? Thoughts that come to mind: Would she mention that weird childhood habit I had?... Or would she tell my boss off for my workloads and demand a salary raise on my behalf?

Getting close to the end of Jesus' earthly ministry, a mum visited her sons' workplace and had a word with the boss, as seen in the passage.

She unhesitantly requested (in paraphrase, v21): I want my two sons to be next to you in command. (James and John Zebedee must be proud that mum kicked off a favourable conversation.)

But Jesus, being the true servant boss, did not say "put in the hours, meet the KPIs, put yourself out there - people gotta see what you're doing, and gradually you climb the ladder and eventually you become everyone's boss."

Rather, Jesus also unhesitantly responded (shortened, v25-28): don't lord it over people, the way to be great is to be a servant, the way to be first is to be the slave, you want to be like me - then serve like me...

"...even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" v28.

If indeed the cross of Jesus was a selfless act of service that brought him death for our gain (Isaiah 53:4-5), then every response to serve Him and His brethren must be a worthy higher calling for the lives he rose to save (1 John 4:19).

It is a great thing to serve the Lord. Happy Easter.

Reflect & Pray

In what area might the Lord be leading you to serve Him? How might you take that first step?

God bless you exceedingly,
Sam.

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