AUG 16

Matthew 20:25-28
Memorise Matthew 20:28
“Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto...”

The mother of James and John had approached Jesus to ask that her two sons be given the most important posts after Jesus Himself, and the other ten disciples were thus indignant. Jesus pointed out that although it was common in the world that the greater the post, the higher the authority to demand service from others, “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).

In God’s kingdom, greatness is measured by how much one serves others. The Greek word for ministry is ‘diakoneo’, meaning to wait upon others, like a waiter serves others. Jesus Himself set the example for His disciples by serving others in noticing those in need, healing them and other forms of ministry to them, serving others to the extent of giving His own life for His sheep. Even though He is God, greater than all and deserves to be served and worshipped, Christ never demanded such service. Compared to the Chief Priest who presided over the Sanhedrin and had soldiers and servants at his beck and call, Jesus only had twelve disciples who voluntarily followed Him, and never had any earthly home.

It is very tempting to treat church service in the same way we expect good service from a restaurant, and some might even think they have paid for such service through their offering! Many youths today come to church service looking only to be entertained, to feel comfortable, to have a good time. Little wonder many such teens end up in Charismatic churches where millions of dollars are spent by their rich church members to give all “a good time” through comfortable seats, trained ushers, rock bands, “warm fellowship”, refreshments, good food etc, Often the ministry of the Word is kept to a minimum. That must never be our focus. Our purpose in coming to church must first and foremost be to worship and serve God! In the process of serving God, we serve others around us as well. In church, are we sensitive to areas of need around us? Do we notice the newcomer who is not sure where to go; the lonely soul who feels no one else understands them; do we involve ourselves in the various church programs which are waiting for volunteers to spare their time, other brethren requiring assistance in one form or another? Which category do you fall into, those served or the servant?

Thought: Do others see Jesus in me?
Prayer: As Christ did, may I minister to others rather than wait to be served.