Bible Study Sunday | Greatness Through Serving (part three)

Matthew 20:20–34

“Whoever would be great among you must be your servant.”

Matthew 20:26 ESV

James and John wanted positions of honor in Jesus’ kingdom. The other disciples were angry, but probably because they wanted those positions too.

Jesus turns their idea of greatness upside down.

Greatness in God’s Kingdom isn’t about having power over others. It’s about serving others.

In Matthew 20:28, Jesus says He Himself came “not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Then, almost immediately, we see Jesus put that teaching into practice. Two blind men cry out for mercy. While the crowd tries to silence them, Jesus stops. He listens. He has compassion. And He heals them.

That’s servant-hearted greatness.

Questions to Consider

Am I seeking recognition or looking for opportunities to serve?
Who might Jesus be asking me to stop for this week?
What would serving like Jesus look like in my everyday life?

The world’s definition of greatness is climbing higher and amplifying our own deeds. Jesus’ definition is centered on humbling ourselves and reaching down to lift someone else up.

Prayer

Jesus, make me less concerned with being noticed and more concerned with being useful. Give me eyes to see those who need Your love and a heart willing to serve. In Your Name, I pray. Amen.