“Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave.” Matt. 20:26-27 (NIV). This may not seem like an encouragement at first but it is a tremendous encouragement. Jesus promises that servants will be great in his kingdom. This promise encourages us because it sets us free from status-seeking in this world.
Status in this world doesn’t count for anything in the New Creation to come, which lasts for eternity. Being a servant and learning how to bless others is what matters in this age because this will be invaluable, eternal fruit. This is another feature of God’s upside-down kingdom. You can be the weakest, smallest, least-educated and most neglected person in your community, but if you adopt a servant’s heart then you will be greater than everyone in your community who does not have a servant’s heart. Only God’s servants will be great in eternity.
Thus, God has healed the broken-hearted and raised up the humble. The ways of the world do not count in God’s eyes. The rich and powerful will have nothing for eternity unless they become servants of Jesus. Therefore, they are not people we should revere or emulate; instead, we should be sad about their prospects and grateful that God has saved us from the world. When you view the world this way you will be free to be who God made you, knowing that his servants will be great beyond any wealth and power in this world.
