Understanding the Kingdom of GodSample

The Servant King

What makes someone great? For many of us, greatness combines power, riches, and fame. The more of these that you possess, the greater you are. This is the way the world understands greatness. Often, people attain positions of authority and leadership by dominating and oppressing others. Only the strongest survive. Only those who are the greatest make it to the top.

During the time of Jesus, this was the ethos by which rulers reigned. The Roman emperor (Caesar) was a tyrant “puppet master” controlling vast amounts of people and land. Under Caesar, vassal kings swore allegiance to Caesar in exchange for power, riches, and fame. These vassal kings, like King Herod in Palestine, also lived according to the values of worldly greatness.

When Jesus started His ministry, He announced that God’s Kingdom had arrived on earth. Jesus, as the King of this Kingdom, displayed God’s power by healing the sick and casting out demons. Jesus had true power and authority, not Caesar and his puppet kings. Even the demons were subject to His authority. Everyone was amazed. Was He the Messiah? If so, surely, He must be the greatest!

But Jesus came to redefine greatness. The rulers of this world ruled with an iron rod. Greed, cruelty, and brutality were their greatest attributes. Even Jesus’ disciples were infected with worldly ambitions for power and fame. Even they expected Jesus to rule like the kings of the earth. They couldn’t wait to become His vassal kings in His Kingdom.

But Jesus, the King of kings and Lord of lords, became a Servant of all. He “came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45, ESV). The God of the universe came down to earth to wash His disciples’ feet. His Kingdom is one of self-sacrificial love and servitude. Greatness is no longer defined by wealth, fame, or earthly power. Instead, greatness is serving others with a relentless and undying love. Jesus, our Servant King, is the greatest of all.

Reflect on the foot-washing scene in John 13. Jesus’ command to wash one another’s feet isn’t primarily intended to be understood literally. Washing one another’s feet means serving others with Christ-like love and humility. It can thus include any act of service we do for someone else.

How can you serve the people in your life? And how can you show the love of Christ by doing so?