I imagine there were a few moments in the life of Jesus that He said, “God, help me.” Let’s think about it. In some of the most serious moments of discussion and conversation His followers were debating their own importance.
Luke 22:20-24 (NLT) After supper he took another cup of wine and said, “This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood, which is poured out as a sacrifice for you. “But here at this table, sitting among us as a friend, is the man who will betray me. For it has been determined that the Son of Man must die. But what sorrow awaits the one who betrays him.” The disciples began to ask each other which of them would ever do such a thing. Then they began to argue among themselves about who would be the greatest among them.
OK, so Jesus just told His disciples He was going to die and one of them was the betrayer that would make it possible. And what’s the topic of discussion amongst the disciples, which of them is the greatest?
I imagine Jesus thinking, are you kidding me right now? I just set an example. I just washed your feet. I displayed the importance of service. I’m about to die! And you’re arguing over who might be the greatest?
But, wait a minute. Don’t we? Whose church sings the best? Whose programs are the best? Who gave the most money? Who has the most members? Let’s compare.
Why?
We have a human nature to associate greatness with accomplishments. Greatness with followers. Greatness with stuff. And God is saying, whoa, whoa, whoa! Greatness is none of those things. Greatness is sacrifice. Greatness is service. Greatness is my example. So unless you walk in my example, you will never walk in true greatness.
The greatest amongst us don’t need to be told. They only have a need to serve.