Torch Community Church

"Yet I am among you as the One Who serves.” Luke 22:27

A little bit of context…According to Luke, at the close of the Last Supper, Jesus announced that His betrayer was in their midst. And the Twelve wondered among themselves who it might be…and then immediately got into an argument about which of them would be the greatest.

I won’t copy all three verses of His answer, but He made His point by explaining the difference between the godless, worldly pursuit of greatness and His own humble path, ending with these words: “I am among you as the One Who serves.” The contrast could not have been any starker. Now understand that the greatness under discussion here was not absolute greatness, as in, “I want to be king of the world!” The issue here was relative greatness. “I want to have a higher place than you guys.” And that greatness, Jesus explained, rested on three points: control, recognition, and benefit. I want to be the one in charge. I want things to be my way. And then, I want to get attention and be admired and liked. And finally, I want to make sure that I am well taken care of.

These three things are key components in the engine that drives contemporary culture. It is the worship of self. It’s everywhere. But where it should not be found is in the Church. Jesus didn’t chase after control; He submitted to His Father in everything, even to the point of death. Jesus didn’t crave attention; He was despised and rejected by men. Jesus wasn’t out to do for Himself; “I am among you as the One Who serves.” There simply was not a shred of self-interest in the Man. And one of the most conspicuous marks of those who carry the name “Christian” well is their selflessness.

But if I really deny myself to take up the cross and follow Jesus, what will I have? Jesus wasn’t finished. “And I bestow upon you a Kingdom, just as My Father bestowed one upon Me.” Control? Jesus has all power and authority, and all things have been put under His feet. Recognition? He has been given the Name that is above every name. Benefit? His Father has given Him a Kingdom, the Kingdom of all things.

We were made for greatness, but not the greatness of this world. Our greatness now is in serving, as our Master served. But one Day…