When God Says …
“And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest. And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise Lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors. But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.” (Luke 22:24-26 KJV).
In these passages, we catch posturing for grandeur builds among the disciples. It opens the opportunity for our Lord Jesus Christ to redefine true greatness in the context of grace as servanthood rather than mastering over. The Lord contrasts worldly rulers with His disciples by emphasizing that the greatest among them must become like the youngest and the leader like the one who serves.
The scene displays a dispute breaking out among the disciples during the Last Supper as to who should be considered the greatest. Our Lord intervening, points out that earthly kings, "lord it over" their subjects, but His kingdom operates on an entirely different standard. He positions Himself as the ultimate example, noting that even though He is Master and Lord, He is among them as the one who serves.
Our Lord’s New Covenant of Grace does not demand that we exhaust ourselves climbing a ladder of worldly status or power or religious pride. We rest in the presence of Christ Jesus our Lord. True service for sons and daughters of God flows naturally from allowing our Lord Jesus to minister to and supply our emptiness first. God’s children don’t earn greatness through self-driven effort. We receive His grace by faith so we can be the vessel for grace unto others in the posture of serving.
The greatest in the kingdom of God serves and ministers humbly to proclaim heaven’s reign and pass on its blessings to all. We freely receive. We freely give! Totally in contrast to religion where serving is made a professional material resource. It is written, the Lord’s command declares: “And proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay.” (Matthew 10:7-8 ESV).
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC.
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
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