Daily Devotional: The Servant Lord

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​We all know what greatness is, or do we? Today, I investigate greatness from a biblical perspective.

Luke 22:27

“I am among you as he that serveth.”

What is greatness? According to the world, it is money, power, and authority. He who sits at meat is greater than he who serves. Yet Jesus, the greatest of all, came to us as a servant and commands His disciples to do the same.

Greatness, then, cannot be what the world calls greatness. It has nothing to do with our position, but everything to do with our character. Greatness is not how many men obey me; greatness is how far I am willing to lay down my life for others.

Christ exemplified greatness. Boldly, He proclaimed the words that heal, words that still prick hearts and draw people back to God. He did not consider if He needed to eat or needed private time, but allowed the masses to press against Him, laying their sick in His path wherever He went. He took the time to meet with priests, rulers, tax collectors, and women drawing water from a well. He strove to enable the disciples to carry on without Him. Instead of controlling others, Jesus freed people. He empowered them to live without the bondage of sin and to stand equal with the Son of God through the spirit of adoption. 

Do we give the same to those around us?

Greatness is enabling the faint of heart to be steadfast and courageous. It is helping those who cannot sustain themselves find strength in God. We cannot do such unless we are willing to give of ourselves.

“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”
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How do we become great? We lay down our life for our neighbor, loving them so much that we freely give of ourselves so that they may life fruitful, godly lives. This is the wondrous beauty of God’s kingdom: a world where everyone serves each other to the extent that Christ serves the church.

• Reflection: Do you freely serve, or do factors like convenience, daily plans, and your desires choke your giving? Leave a comment below to share how God is transforming your life.