24 A dispute also arose among the disciples as to which of them would be considered the greatest. 25 So Jesus declared, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in authority over them call themselves benefactors. 26 But you shall not be like them. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who leads like the one who serves. 27 For who is greater, the one who reclines at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines? But I am among you as one who serves.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Ken Ip

I find it interesting that right after Jesus shares the last supper with his disciples and tells them someone is going to betray him, they start arguing about who’s the most important. But instead of getting angry, Jesus uses it to teach his disciples and us something profound: that In God’s kingdom, the greatest isn’t the one who is served, but the one who serves.

In v27 Jesus says, “I am among you as one who serves”. This reminds me that Jesus didn’t just teach servanthood, he lived it. Even though he’s their teacher and their Lord, he chooses to serve. He even washes their feet, and soon he’ll give up his life for them. That’s what true greatness looks like.

It’s a great reminder for us too. Whether it’s at school, work, or home, it’s easy to seek attention or praise. But Jesus shows us that real greatness is about serving others, being kind, and putting other people before ourselves.

Are there times when we care more about being noticed than helping others? What’s one small way you can serve someone this week?

Dear God, thank you for showing us what true greatness looks like. Help us to care less about being important in the eyes of the world, and more about loving and serving others like Jesus did. Amen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ken is a member of our Bossley Park Monring congregation.