From Riches to a Ransom
“But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister and to give His life a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:26-28
Jesus and His disciples, particularly James and John, had just finished a discussion regarding the request of their mother for her sons to sit on either side of Jesus in His kingdom. Jesus basically told them that decision was His Father’s. The other disciples were ticked off at the request of James’ and John’s mother. I suppose they were jealous because they all likely wanted those positions. Jesus had a few more words to say to them concerning their desire for prestige. He had to explain the difference in administration of an earthly kingdom and that of a spiritual kingdom.
Israel had been under Roman rule since 63 B.C., about 90 years as of the time of their discussion. Roman dominion was all the disciples knew about governmental authority which was enforced by Gentiles by threats, fear, and intimidation. It was the elites in charge, and everyone else was in servitude to the rulers. (Isn’t that what those in power in our day desire?) On the other hand, in the spiritual kingdom there is order which arises from obedience to God and not from fear of punishment as in the secular world. God had always been (and still is whether or not they recognize Him) Israel’s king until the people demanded a human king. God reluctantly gave them what they asked for but not before warning them of the consequences of their desire (I Samuel 8:4-22). The world is still suffering from the realities of a political system that reeks of fraud, lies, mistrust, greed, and envy, the opposite of the spiritual kingdom.
Jesus told His disciples that they were nothing like the earthly rulers, those with authority and power, and that if they wish to be great, they must minister to others, and if they wish to be chief, they must serve others. Is this not the original intent of one who runs for public office? Are they not to serve those whom they represent? What happened? Nothing more than power and greed that went to their heads which made them forget all about ministering and serving the public and instead making promises and paying bribes to keep them in office. It has been a little over 3,000 years since God warned His people about the dangers of having a human king, and God’s warning has not failed to come to pass and continues to this day.
The one who is truly great is the one who forgets all about himself or herself and seeks to serve others in whatever capacity he or she is able. Peter wrote in I Peter 5:5 that believers are to be accountable to one another. Paul wrote in Romans 14:19 that believers are to edify, that is, build each other up. Romans 15:1-3 tells us to please one another and not please ourselves “for even Christ pleased not Himself…” The phrase “servant leader” describes a leader who is not afraid to get into the “trenches” with those under his authority and serve them rather than sitting in some lofty office waiting to be served. Those who behave in that manner of a servant make the best leaders because they can identify with the struggles of those under their authority.
Scripture tells us that Jesus, as our High Priest, could feel every emotion, pain, heartache, disappointment, and grief that we feel, and was tempted just like we are but did not sin (Hebrews 4:15). He laid aside all of His glory voluntarily and became a humble servant, giving His life for the sins of mankind. Jesus is the ultimate example of servant leadership. How could Christians desire to claim glory for themselves or make some name for themselves when considering the cross and Jesus’ sacrifice upon it? We didn’t pay the price, suffer the shame, nor die the sacrificial death. Paul wrote in Galatians 7:14a, “But God forbid that I should glory, save (except) in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ…” It is immensely more rewarding to serve the living God than be a king in a palace ruling over multitudes. The Psalmist put it this way in Psalm 84:10b: “I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness”.
If Jesus was willing to lay aside His heavenly glory to become a ransom, that is, a payment in exchange for the souls of mankind, should we not abandon any earthly glory we might receive in exchange for the ultimate position of servant to the Holy One of Israel, the living God of the universe? Worldly positions offer worldly benefits which are only temporary, and also bring many headaches. The benefits of serving the Lord are “out of this world”, an eternity of peace and joy. We are most like Christ when we are giving and serving others.