Mark 10:44-45: Whoever of you wants to become first among you, shall be bondservant of all. For the Son of Man also came not to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.
In the above passage, Jesus contrasted the world’s view of greatness with what God sees as great (cf. verses 42-43).
The teaching came just after James and John asked to sit on Jesus’ right and left hands in His glory. Like James and John, people often seek prestige, position, and power, believing this is what greatness is.
Yet Jesus pointed out that this attitude is the opposite of what God calls great.
Before leaving the Ephesian elders in Acts 20:35, Paul told them “Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” To follow Jesus’ steps, we must focus on giving. We must seek to serve rather than seeking to be served.
Jesus not only taught servitude, but also exemplified this. When He washed His disciples’ feet, He stated “I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you” (John 13:15).
Shortly after He washed His disciples’ feet, Jesus gave His life as a ransom for many. There could be no better example of putting others ahead of oneself.
May we follow His lead of servitude.
– Michael Hickox