The Greatest

In the garden of Eden, Adam and Eve lived in a blissful utopia. Perfection in every way and God's provision. Happiness and contentment weren't sought in vain; they were at the couple's fingertips. Yet they chose to risk losing it all for their own greatness. Satan assured them that eating the forbidden fruit wouldn't lead to death. Rather, it would make them like God. We all know how that ended...
Sadly, every human since Adam and Eve has chased that same desire to be great apart from God. None of us naturally serve, and none of us perfectly serve. There is a noticeable desire in mankind to be served. We are drawn to convenience and services that meet our own needs.

Jesus in all his ways, pushed against the normality of human behavior. Guided by the Spirit rather than human flesh, Jesus told his disciples in Mark 10:

       "Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 

and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man

did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

 - Mark 10:43b-45

 

This was a radical teaching then, and very possibly an even more radical teaching now. It goes against the grain of our self indulgent culture and all that we are bombarded with on a day to day basis. But Jesus made it clear that God is not impressed with earthly greatness. For 'whoever wants to be first must be a slave of all'. It shouldn't come as a surprise that the King of King and Lord of Lords humbled himself to the life of a poor man. He set the greatest and most pure example. His life service didn't come in the form of riches and promotions. He didn't offer earthly gain as reward. He offered eternal life. Forgiveness. Love. Acceptance. Healing. He offered what cost nothing, because he had nothing of cost. But what he did have was eternal.

Just as Jesus did not come to be served, but to serve, we are challenged to do the same. Fear, inconvenience, and even financial difficulty are common reasons we shy away from serving others. Satan whispers lies into our hearts that convince us we have nothing to offer the lost. Yet Jesus, who had nothing of earthly value, had more than enough to offer not just those he came in contact with, but every person who ever was, is, or will be! Jesus had a heart of service and when we give ourselves to him to be used to serve others, Jesus will pour into us to meet the needs of others. There is eternal reward promised for those who lay themselves down in order to lift others up. But most importantly, it offers a glimpse of Christ who truly laid everything down, even his very life.

 

This week, ask God how we wants you to serve in your Jerusalem. We all know people who could use our help, resources, prayers or support. May our homes be open, our hearts be welcoming, and our hands and feet ready to serve. With this in mind, we are one step closer to truly living life on mission!