Descending into Greatness
God's Ways vs. Man's Ways (Part 2)

Greatness, by the world’s way of thinking, means a high ranked position of power, authority, influence, or honor in a culture or subculture. However, God’s definition of greatness is the opposite of the world’s. It is easy for us to take on the world’s view, because from birth, we have lived in the world. For this reason, the scriptures encourage us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds by the word of God. The disciples/Apostles also needed to be transformed by the word of the Lord… 

Luke 22:24-27
24 Now there was also a dispute among them, as to which of them should be considered the greatest. 25 And He said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those who exercise authority over them are called 'benefactors.' 26 But not so among you; on the contrary, he who is greatest among you, let him be as the younger, and he who governs as he who serves. 27 For who is greater, he who sits at the table, or he who serves? Is it not he who sits at the table? Yet I am among you as the One who serves.

The disciples were blatantly striving for position. Striving brings strife. Do you think this happens in today’s church? Probably not as blatantly, because ambitious striving can be done within thoughts that are hidden; “I don’t know why so-and-so was made leader over that ministry. I have been a Christian longer than they. I would have been a better choice.” However, sometimes thoughts like these are spoken out loud to a friend or someone else. Either way, we should guard our hearts.

The Lord took the opportunity to teach the disciples that their motivation was worldly and not God’s way. Jesus knew their desires were to have authority, respect, and honor, which feed pride. However, a servant’s heart feeds humility.

He addresses the motivation in their heart by the analogy He chose... “the Gentiles exercise lordship”… but not so among you…

Luke 22:25-26
25 And He said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those who exercise authority over them are called 'benefactors.' 26 But not so among you; on the contrary, he who is greatest among you, let him be as the younger, and he who governs as he who serves. 

Jesus clarifies that the greatest in God’s eyes is not the person who rules and exercises authority, but the person who is humble and serves. When He says "let them be as the younger", He is probably explaining that they should not be wise in their own eyes, but humble, teachable, like a child to whom everything is new.

The disciples knew the "greatness" of the Lord. Therefore, Jesus solidifies His teaching, by pointing out that the Lord of all creation is among them as One who serves, proving the contrast between man’s ways and God’s ways.

The Lord Jesus is even a servant in His risen glory and will continue to serve when He comes again…

Luke 12:37
Blessed are those servants whom the master, when he comes, will find watching. Assuredly, I say to you that he will gird himself and have them sit down to eat, and will come and serve them.

What is God’s definition of greatness?… (italics added by me)

Matthew 18:4
Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 20:26-28
26 Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. 27 And whoever desires to be first (first in rank, influence, and honor) among you, let him be your slave—28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."

Matthew 23:11
11 But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant.

Mark 9:35
35 And He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, "If anyone desires to be first (first in rank, influence, and honor), he shall be last (in rank, grade of worth, lowest) of all and servant of all."

Mark 10:43-45
43 Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. 44 And whoever of you desires to be first (first in rank, influence, and honor) shall be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

Luke 9:48
48 and said to them, "Whoever receives this little child in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me. For he who is least (of rank or influence) among you all will be great."

I didn’t want to overwhelm you with scriptures, so you can use the following references during your self-study time.

The Lord in teaches the same principals in:

Matthew 18:1-6
Matthew 20:20-28
Mark 9:33-37
Mark 10:35-45, and
Luke 9:43-50

I know how easy it is to have this knowledge in our heads, and yet it is waiting to be deeply deposited within our spirits. I believe that now is the time to serve, from a pure heart, a humble heart, a heart that’s full of the Lord’s love towards people. However, this isn’t a legalistic teaching on “works”. Therefore, let’s boldly approach the Lord’s throne of grace, to ask for what is lacking in our time of need. I know that I need more grace to have a servant’s heart.

Let's also know the balance of this teaching. There is a time to serve, and a time to rest at the feet of Jesus. Remember the story of Mary and Martha? If not, write to me and I will show you where you can find it in the Bible.

Abundant blessings to you all,

Tina – Keep on Running 2 Win!

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