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Who’s On First?
I enjoy the spotlight, but I don’t like to be the center of attention. When I’m the center of attention it’s usually something I have no control over…tripping in front of a group of people or being called on to give an answer when I’m not expecting it. To be in the spotlight, on the other hand, is a much different situation! When I perform or teach, I may be the center of attention, but I’m not embarrassed because it’s on my terms. I’ve had time to rehearse and prepare!
In Matthew 20:26 – 28, we catch up with Jesus and his disciples just as he is dishing out some contradictory advice on what it looks like to be great in his kingdom. If we go back a few verses for the full story, we learn that the mother of two of the disciples asked Jesus to favor them and allow them to sit at his right and left hands when he takes over the kingdom. Now, John and James had already been to the top of the mountain where they had seen Jesus transfigured, so while they clearly did not understand exactly what was coming, they knew it was a big deal. So they set about doing what they could to control the situation (with the help of their own Mama Rose – sorry – theatre reference!). They were behind Jesus all the way, but they wanted it to be on their terms. Jesus basically tells them that human nature is all about position and dominance a glory, but his way is much different.
To be considered great in the kingdom of Heaven we put the needs and wants of others before our own, becoming their servant. To be the best, we stoop even lower, becoming their slave (a slave’s total existence is dependant on pleasing his master). That kind of servitude can’t be faked. It can only be born out of a very genuine love. That is the example Jesus gives us. That is the depth of his love for us. That’s the example I want to follow.
Thanks for sharing Jamie, I like what you said about a slave’s existence. Being a slave or a servant means that a master comes first no matter what. And in these verses we see that our master came down to put his servants first. I can only imagine how different our world would be if that were the philosophy of people. What a vastly different society, economy, and country we would have. But it must start with me. It is possible for CCC to effect massive change in Smyrna, Ga.
I too have thought alot about the analogy of the slave. Like Jamie said…a slave only does the will of the master. I know for me that can sometimes be a challenge. Alan mentioned how we often lay our “living sacrifice” on the altar, only to take it back for our convenience. I pray that I will completely fulfill the words of the song we sang on Sunday…”Take my life, ALL of me!”
Thanks Jamie. You got me thinking about John 13 when Jesus washed the disciples feet.
After he had finished the task, he asked the question “Do you understand what I have done to you?” Apparently no one raised a hand to answer, and Jesus told them that if He, their Lord and Teacher had bowed down to serve in this most menial task, they should too.
It is a pretty basic lesson to me. I cannot stand on title, position, education, wealth, or anything else to place me above serving you and Ray and Brooklyn, and Herb, Megan, Mitzi, Alan, and Gayle, and my children, and whoever in even the most menial jobs that need to be done, that is, if I want to be like my Lord.
Happy inaugeration day. I hope and pray that our new President will be a servant. That he will put aside all politics and serve us as a nation. I pray for his safty. But most of all I pray for God to come into his life and give him wisdom and direction. Thanks be to God who was and is and is to come.
To serve is not only doing for others but putting the needs of the one true master above mine.
OK, I am used to this on some level. I am a Mom. I think to make dinner (so my son can eat), make sure that his bed is made with clean sheets (so that he can sleep better), make sure that his things rae together (so that he can be ready for his day). All this before I even think about taking a shower, or eating myself. OK, not exactly the same I know but I understand the feeling. Whatever I can do to keep my house in order it better for all those that live there.
Wait, maybe it is the same. I can make food to feed others, I can wash and clean, to help others,etc. I can do a lot to help others.
Here is the trick, does my brain always work that way. NO. I admit it. Sometimes, I want to keep the twenty that is in my pocket rather that give it to the Lord. Sometimes, I want to stay up late and watch TV rather than spend time with God.
I pray that I can direct my heart into a giving spirit more often than I do now.
I believe there is definitely something deep there when someone willingly choses to become a slave as it goes against the very nature of our flesh and society.
The ability to serve is key in most areas of our lives. For example, if you want to have a good business, you must serve your clients well. If you want to have friends, you must serve the people around you. If you want a stronger family, you must serve your family.
But notice that the above service examples result in putting yourself first. Perhaps putting yourself first still satisfies Matthew 20:26-28, so long as you realize that the way to put yourself first is to serve others. In that verse, Jesus says “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.” Matthew 20:26-28 (emphasis added). It seems to me that Jesus is not just saying to put yourself last. He is saying to put yourself first by putting yourself last.
Benjamin Franklin once said, “God helps those who help themselves.” That phrase is not anywhere in the bible. But I do think that looking out for yourself (i.e., putting yourself first) will include a whole lot of service. And although this at first seems in conflict with Matthew 20:26-28, maybe the two principles can coexist after all.
Thank you, all of you – Jaime and this church-wide Community Group – for feeding my spirit today. You have given me a feast of food for thought. I pray those thoughts become actions that glorify Him.
Thanks Jaime…great words and thoughts to chew on. There’s something about what we view as a paradox from the world’s perspective that brings so much life…even when we just stop to think about it, but so much more life when we actually put it into practice. I guess that’s just the beauty and truth found in God’s Word. It’s so difficult to daily, minute-by-minute put it all into practice. That said, I’m thankful that God keeps me on my toes (and making my mind cramp and my heart ache at times), forcing me to lean that much closer to Him. Thanks again, Jaime, for getting us kicked off thinking of these things today.
Also, as the dear Nancy Sapp wrote, I’m also very thankful for the words of challenge, insight, and encouragement that this Feed One Another site is providing (albiet electronically) – creating a richer community for us to all be a part of. I pray that our words, thoughts, and actions now glorify Him and lead to greater glory for Him in the future.