STEWARDSHIP FOCUS
IS THERE A SERVANT IN THE HOUSE? Joseph Stowell
In Matthew, the disciples James and John came to Christ with their mother. She filed this request: “Command that in your kingdom these two sons of mine may sit one on Your right and one on our left Matthew two sons of mine may sit one on Your right and one on Your left (Matthew 20:21 NASB),
which being interpreted means, “Could my sons have the most powerful and influential positions in the new government?” The text goes on to say that when the other ten heard about her appeal they were “indignant.”
Probably for a lot of reasons. But, no doubt, the real rub was that they all wanted the big spots in what they assumed would be the soon-to-arrive kingdom. If they had a choice, none of them wanted to play the lesser part.
Christ reproved them for their advanced cases of “big-shot-itis” and went on to tell them that if they were to be authentic followers, they would have to pursue servanthood as a life goal. In fact, He noted that those who would be considered great in His kingdom would be those who served. God wants followers who are willing if necessary to play the small part, the unaffirmed part.
As for those whom He has given visibility and clout, He is looking to see if they manage their leadership from a servant’s perspective.
After all, God was willing to stoop low enough to serve us all the way to the painful injustice of a cross.
The thought that some things are beneath us,
that we deserve better, that we really should be served instead of serving, denies the very essence of Jesus and our identity in Him.
If we are striving to be like Him, no task is too small, no venue too unnoticed, no legitimate sacrifice too great. Because He served, we gladly live to serve.
And we do it all the way home to heaven whether anyone notices or not. Knowing all the while that He notices and will say to us when we arrive, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21 KJV). Which is a recognition worth not being recognized for!