The Servant King
07/25/2025
“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 20:28 (NIV)
In a world obsessed with status, power, and being first, Jesus’ words in today’s verse turn everything upside down. The disciples had just been arguing about who would be the greatest in the Kingdom. James and John even had their mother ask Jesus to give them the most prestigious seats in heaven! But Jesus used that moment to teach a radical truth: greatness in God’s Kingdom doesn’t come from ruling, it comes from serving.
Jesus didn’t come into the world with fanfare or demand royal treatment. He didn’t walk around insisting on recognition, honor, or perks. He bent low. He washed feet. He healed the broken. He spent time with the outcasts. He fed the hungry. He served the very people who would later reject Him.
And ultimately, He gave the greatest act of service the world has ever known, He gave His life.
In 1947, a young missionary couple, Jim and Elisabeth Elliot, began a journey that would eventually lead them to a remote tribe in Ecuador. They dreamed of sharing Jesus with people who had never heard His name. Jim was later martyred by the very people he came to serve. But Elisabeth stayed, and over time, her humble service and love helped lead that tribe to Christ. She lived out what Jesus said in this verse, not living to be served, but to serve.
True service isn’t glamorous. It’s often hidden. It’s the dad who gets up early to pray over his family. The nurse who stays late to comfort a patient. The student who stands up for the lonely kid in class. The church member who quietly brings groceries to a struggling family. Each of these reflects the heart of Jesus.
Today, Jesus invites us to trade our pursuit of applause for a life of service. Because when we serve others, we are never more like Christ.
Here are some things to help you on your journey.
Ask yourself: Who can I serve today without expecting anything in return?
Offer to help someone in need. Whether it’s carrying groceries, making a meal, or lending a listening ear.
Reflect on how Jesus has served you, and how you can mirror that to others.
Practice anonymous acts of kindness this week. Let your service be for God’s glory alone.
Today’s Challenge:
Let humility be your posture and service be your mission. Choose to serve someone today who may never be able to repay you. That’s Kingdom greatness.
Prayer:
Jesus, thank You for being the Servant King. Forgive me when I chase recognition or position. Teach me to follow Your example, to serve rather than be served, to give rather than grasp, to love without condition. Fill me with Your heart for people, and may my life point others to the cross where You gave everything for me. In Your name, Amen.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
“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 20:28 (NIV)
In a world obsessed with status, power, and being first, Jesus’ words in today’s verse turn everything upside down. The disciples had just been arguing about who would be the greatest in the Kingdom. James and John even had their mother ask Jesus to give them the most prestigious seats in heaven! But Jesus used that moment to teach a radical truth: greatness in God’s Kingdom doesn’t come from ruling, it comes from serving.
Jesus didn’t come into the world with fanfare or demand royal treatment. He didn’t walk around insisting on recognition, honor, or perks. He bent low. He washed feet. He healed the broken. He spent time with the outcasts. He fed the hungry. He served the very people who would later reject Him.
And ultimately, He gave the greatest act of service the world has ever known, He gave His life.
In 1947, a young missionary couple, Jim and Elisabeth Elliot, began a journey that would eventually lead them to a remote tribe in Ecuador. They dreamed of sharing Jesus with people who had never heard His name. Jim was later martyred by the very people he came to serve. But Elisabeth stayed, and over time, her humble service and love helped lead that tribe to Christ. She lived out what Jesus said in this verse, not living to be served, but to serve.
True service isn’t glamorous. It’s often hidden. It’s the dad who gets up early to pray over his family. The nurse who stays late to comfort a patient. The student who stands up for the lonely kid in class. The church member who quietly brings groceries to a struggling family. Each of these reflects the heart of Jesus.
Today, Jesus invites us to trade our pursuit of applause for a life of service. Because when we serve others, we are never more like Christ.
Here are some things to help you on your journey.
Ask yourself: Who can I serve today without expecting anything in return?
Offer to help someone in need. Whether it’s carrying groceries, making a meal, or lending a listening ear.
Reflect on how Jesus has served you, and how you can mirror that to others.
Practice anonymous acts of kindness this week. Let your service be for God’s glory alone.
Today’s Challenge:
Let humility be your posture and service be your mission. Choose to serve someone today who may never be able to repay you. That’s Kingdom greatness.
Prayer:
Jesus, thank You for being the Servant King. Forgive me when I chase recognition or position. Teach me to follow Your example, to serve rather than be served, to give rather than grasp, to love without condition. Fill me with Your heart for people, and may my life point others to the cross where You gave everything for me. In Your name, Amen.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
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