4 Important Considerations from Matthew 20:20-28
1.
Servanthood was the theme of Christ's life. Notice what he said, “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 20:28, ESV).
2.
Servanthood is not the opposite of leadership. Servanthood is an important characteristic of
leadership. It is the opposite of "lord
it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them."[2] So what is going on
here? Ideas that emerge from this
statement are such things as tyranny, dictatorship, domination, etc. Now this point deserves a lot more attention
than I will give it this morning. Let
us be clear, there is authority in Christian relationships. But the New Testament tempers that authority
in many ways. Contextually it adds one
thing that I will only state briefly:
Don't treat people like they need you.
Where do I get that? Read the
parallel passage in Luke where Christ says, “And he said to them, “The kings
of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them
are called benefactors.” (Luke 22:25, ESV). One of the greatest particulars of servant
leadership is to release people to serve, when they are ready, without domination.
3.
Servanthood is an identifying trait of Christianity. “It shall not be so among you. But whoever
would be great among you must be your servant,” (Matthew 20:26, ESV). That is about as clear a command as you
get. "It shall not be so among
you."
4. Servanthood is uniquely excellent in
God's opinion. "But whoever would
be great among you . . .." Jesus does not deny the pursuit of
greatness. The Holy Spirit uses the
family word here μέγας [megas
/meg·as/]. We understand that prefix. It means big, abundant, large, grand
etc. It terms of human society it means
highly esteemed for one's excellence.[3] Who wins that prize? God says that it is the one who is the
servant; the one who is the slave.
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