Finding True Greatness

“A dispute also arose among them [the disciples], as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest.” (Luke 22:24, ESV)

Ambition. Egos. Competition. Power. Pride. It happens. We’ve seen it, but we would hardly expect to find it among the Lord’s disciples, those closest to Him. Yet, more than once they disputed among themselves about who was the greatest. Even the night of their Passover meal, just hours before Jesus’ arrest, the argument began again. Did they even grasp the meaning of Jesus’ words when He told them:

“For who is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the one who serves.” (Luke 22:27, ESV)

The Gospels do not gloss over the rivalry that seemed to exist among the disciples. It’s written there for all of us to read. Nor was this the first time the subject had arisen. In Matthew 20 the mother of James and John came requesting that her sons to be given positions of power when Jesus came into His kingdom. The other disciples became indignant at her request. Although Jesus explained true greatness, they just didn’t comprehend.

“It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:26-28, ESV)

The Lord’s kingdom would never be about pomp and power. Instead, it would be established on servanthood. “Not to be served but to serve.” Jesus lived it before them and explained it to them, but they just did not grasp what He meant.

Did they later feel shame as they looked back and remembered the times they sought position rather than to serve?

Have you ever considered the difference between a servant and a slave? We often use the words interchangeably, but they really aren’t the same. One serves willingly; the other does not. We are called to serve, but it is our choice.

What characteristics do we see when someone shows the attitude of a servant? The one who possesses the heart of a servant will:

• Serve freely out of love, not compulsion. (Galatians 5:13)
• Do everything as unto the Lord. (Colossians 3:22-23)
• Invest in the lives of others. (Galatians 6:2)
• Show humility. (Philippians 2:3-4)
• Show compassion. (Romans 12:15, Colossians 3:12)
• Display a sense of responsibility. (Luke 17:10)
• Seek God’s approval rather than man’s (Galatians 1:10)
• Use their God-given gifts to serve others. (I Peter 4:10)

Some might find it demeaning to be a called a servant, but Jesus willingly entered our world to serve rather than to be served. Philippians 2:7 tells us that He “made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant.” He willingly did this.

Jesus provided a tremendous example of how to bless others by responding with the heart of a servant. Later His disciples understood that the path to true greatness comes through service, not position or power. This is an important lesson for each of us to understand. Now let’s follow His example.

Lord, help me to serve others with the humility, love, and compassion that You displayed when You walked this earth. The only position I need is at Your feet. The only recognition I need is to hear You say, “Well done!” 

Please share with us! In the comments area, share an example of true servanthood you have personally observed. (Use first names only if you name someone.)