Matthew 20:26-28 (Contemporary English Version)
“But if you want to be great, you must be the servant of all the others. And if you want
to be first, you must be the slave of the others. The Son of Man did not come to be
served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Historical background
In the time of Jesus, people thought very differently about greatness than He did. Power, status, and influence determined who was important. Leaders stood above others and were served. Even the disciples of Jesus struggled with this. They wanted to know who was the greatest.
Jesus completely turns that thinking upside down. He shows that true greatness is not found in power, but in serving. That was revolutionary. In a society where hierarchy was normal, He introduced a new way of living: not putting yourself at the center, but the other person.
What does this mean for you and me?
Maybe you recognize it: the desire to be seen, to receive recognition. That is human. But Jesus invites you to look differently. Not, “How can I rise higher?” but, “Who can I help?”
In the church, you can see this very clearly. It is not only the pastor or leader who matters, but especially the one who sets up chairs, serves coffee, or quietly prays for others. That is where something of God’s heart becomes visible.
In society, it works the same way. Think of a colleague who helps someone without expecting anything in return. Or someone who makes time for a lonely neighbor. It may seem small, but it has great impact.
An encouraging insight
Serving can sometimes feel like you are making yourself smaller. But Jesus shows that it is actually the path to true fulfillment. He gave Himself completely—and through that, He brought life.
When you serve, you live close to His heart. You do not have to make yourself greater, because you are already seen by God. From that security, you can give without fear.
Final thought
“For the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve…” – Matthew 20:28 (CEV)
This is the heart of it: Jesus set the example. And He does not ask anything from you that He has not done Himself. When you choose to serve, you live like Him—and that is where true greatness is found.