Thursday, January 12, 2023

Servus | A Servant

"...whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave." — Mat 20:26-27 (NIV) 


Photo by Kyle Head on Unsplash


My daughter’s class has just finished their theatrical work performing “The Little Match Girl” at school. She was busy since last month but not as the ones who would perform on the stage. Her duty was to make the show properties, like the matches, the meal, the costumes and so on, to be used in the show. She went home, and the properties had broken here and there, as after the show her friends played with those beautiful match boxes and even the teacher took pictures with the delicious food she made from recycled materials. She said people liked their class performance as it was entertaining and funny although they didn't win the best play. But I was very proud of her that the properties made the show alive.

Today I learn more about being a servant. The disciples of Jesus wanted to have the best places next to Jesus in His future kingdom. They might think that the kingdom that Jesus would establish was just like the ones existed around them. Even their mother came and pleaded for this favor. Other disciples were angry and indignant to their two friends’ request. It was not fair as they all were equally important. They still had a worldly perspective that a great person is the one who has a high position, who is served better than others.

But not so in the eyes of God. Jesus said, “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave - just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (v.26-28). God gives a high respect and an appreciation to the ones who work hard in serving others.

That’s why it is not easy to gain the high places in the heavenly kingdom. It will be given to those who are not just serving but also willing to be slaves for God’s sake. Jesus sets an ultimate example. He did not only serve people with His power and compassion, but even died as a ransom for many.

How about us. Are we grumpy serving others? If life was a show, would we feel left behind as everybody shows up in the front rows among the audience and others perform as the main characters, while we were at the back stage preparing and ensuring things to go smoothly? This is for those who are frequently being forgotten for your tiresome service for others, outside the spotlight. You have the Lord watching over your work. Thank you and God bless you.  


Reflection on Matthew 20:20-28 by Desire Litaay 
(Listen to the Podcast here)

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