Luke 22:26
The Great Serve

This command from Jesus comes after His disciples were arguing amongst each other, during Jesus' last passover meal, about who of them was considered to be greatest. Jesus stopped this arguing by saying that they should not be like earthly rulers, who lord it over others and are called benefactors.

Instead, the one who is greatest among them (or who wants to be greatest, Mark 10:43, Matthew 20:27), should be 'as the younger', and he who governs as he who serves. Being 'as the younger' in a society that respected elders means to humble yourself, to make yourself lower than others.

Christ Himself, who is the greatest of all, was serving in their midst. According to the gospel of John, Jesus washed His disciples' feet during the passover meal. Washing people's feet is something that ordinarily only a servant would do.

Christ is the King of kings. Through Him the whole universe was made. All things will be placed under His authority and He will receive praise and glory and honor and power and wealth and wisdom and strength. This Lord, this supreme being, who had every right to be served by others,  was busy washing the disciples feet. He humbly served their physical needs. And He did this as an example.

We have to follow His example. If we ever want to be great in Christ's view, we have to become like someone who is younger (of a lower position in the hierarchy) and we have to serve. The word for serve is 'diakoneo', from which we get our 'deacon'. The origin of this word is a bit unclear but it is used to express the service to kings and to God. Serving the needs of others is a hallmark of Christianity, and you recognize true Christians by their eagerness to serve others. The more fanatic you are as a true Christian, the harder you should serve others.

Do you want Jesus to think well of you? If so, how are you serving your local church? And how are you going to serve the needs of others today?

Godspeed!