Building a Life That Matters for Good - the Quest for Significanceഉദാഹരണം

How To Be Great

One of the most humorous and instructive stories in the Bible is found in Matthew 20. Jesus and His disciples are journeying towards Jerusalem for the final, fateful time. This story sets the stage for us to gain a better understanding of ambition, service, and greatness in the kingdom of heaven.

As they approached Jerusalem, anticipation and misunderstanding brewed among the disciples. They envisioned a physical, earthly kingdom where Jesus would overthrow the Romans, and they would reign alongside him. Although Jesus will ultimately establish his kingdom on earth, He had another mission to complete first. That time, he was heading to Jerusalem to die on the cross to save the world.

The disciples’ misunderstanding is highlighted when the mother of James and John—two disciples nicknamed the “Sons of Thunder” by Jesus—requests that her sons be granted positions of honor in Jesus’ kingdom. This moment opens up a crucial dialogue about the nature of true greatness.

But first, note the humor. In verse 20, it’s the mother of James and John, who kneels before Jesus and wants her sons promoted. These two tough “Sons of Thunder” have their mother ask for them! Can you even imagine the eye rolls, teasing, and even anger from the other disciples? Well, we’re not left to our imagination alone. Verse 24 tells us that when the others hear this, they become indignant with those two brothers. No doubt!

But while the disciples are arguing and jostling for position, Jesus cuts through it all and gives them a straight answer. Jesus’ response is neither dismissive nor reprimanding. He doesn’t rebuke them for wanting to be great. He tells them how to be great!

Likewise, he doesn’t deny that there will be positions of honor in heaven. Jesus explains that His Father will ultimately decide who is awarded those positions. He proceeds to tell them how to be rewarded. He emphasizes that greatness in His kingdom is not about wielding power but serving others. “Whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant,” Jesus says, flipping the disciples’ expectations on their heads and setting a new standard for greatness.

Jesus doesn’t condemn the desire to be significant or to play a pivotal role in His story. Instead, He redirects our ambition towards service and love. The path to true greatness, according to Jesus, is paved with acts of generosity, humility, and a willingness to serve those around us, echoing His ultimate sacrifice on the cross.

Think ahead to how you will be remembered, and more importantly, how your life will be evaluated by your heavenly Father. Seek ways to serve others.

How could you serve your family, friends, or community in ways you haven’t before? It could be as straightforward as offering a listening ear, helping with a task, or sharing a word of encouragement. In these acts of service, no matter how great or small, we find our place in the greatest story ever told.

Let us remember that in the kingdom of heaven, the highest honor is reserved for those who have proven themselves willing to serve others. May our stories be marked by the love we shared and the lives we touched through our acts of sacrificial service.