The Son Of Man Did Not Come To Be Served, But To Serve, And To Give His Life As A Ransom For Many

MATHEW 20:24-28
“And when the ten heard it, they were greatly displeased with the two brothers. But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
”‭‭Matthew‬ ‭20:24-28‬ ‭NKJV‬
‬https://www.bible.com/114/mat.20.24-28.nkj

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James and John's mother asked Jesus to give her two son's special positions in His Kingdom.
It's natural for parents to want to see their children promoted and honoured, but this desire is dangerous if it causes them to stand in the way of God's specific will for them.
God may have different work for them; maybe not as glamorous, but just as important.
Thus, parents desires for their children are often far from God's will for them, and these desires for their children's advancement must be held in check as they pray that God's will be done in their lives.
James, John, and their mother failed to grasp Jesus' previous teachings on rewards (19:16-30) and eternal life (20:1-16). They didn't understand the suffering they and all believers must face before living in the glory of God's Kingdom. The "cup" was the suffering and crucifixion that Christ Jesus faced.
Both James and John would also face great suffering. James would be put to death for his faith and John would be exiled.
In verse 23, Jesus was showing that He was under the authority of the Father, for: Though He was and is fully God, He did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead He gave up His divine privileges as God and took the humble position of a slave (PHILIPPIANS 2:6-7).
The Father alone made decisions about leadership in heaven. Rewards are not granted as favours. They are for those who have maintained their commitment to Jesus in spite of many trials.
God puts us in our place according to His will, not ours, and that is not negotiable.
The other disciples were upset with James and John for trying to grab top positions. All the disciples wanted to be the greatest (18:1), but Jesus taught them that the greatest person in God's Kingdom is the servant of all.
Authority is given not for self importance, ambition, or respect, but for useful service to God.
Jesus described leadership from a new perspective. Instead of using people, leaders are to serve them.
Jesus came to serve, He made it His mission to serve others and give up His life on a cross to pay their debt of sin. A true leader has a servant's heart.
A servant leader appreciates others worth and realises they are not above any job. When you see something that needs doing, take initiative and do it like a faithful servant.
A "ransom" was the price paid to release a slave from bondage. Jesus often told His disciples that He must die, but here He explained why, to redeem all people from the bondage and the consequence of sin.
The disciples thought that as along as Jesus was alive, He could save them, but Jesus revealed that only His death would save them and the world.
Jesus died for us that we might live; that is a very high price! Are you ready to live for Him? Is that not the least you do.?
My brethren, “The fear of man brings a snare, But whoever trusts in the LORD shall be safe. Many seek the ruler’s favor, But justice for man comes from the LORD.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭29:25-26‬ ‭NKJV‬‬
My beloved, within Jesus’ five fold ministry (EPHESIANS 4:11), every member falls into at least one of the five categories, apostles, prophets teachers, pastors, and evangelist. But not one of us is called to Lord it over the others, for we are all individual parts of the same body, of which Christ is the only head.
“For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.“
‭‭Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭3‬-‭8‬ ‭NKJV‬‬
All glory to God forever and ever! Amen.