''The greatest among you shall be your servant (Matthew 23:11).''
Everyone wants to be the best at whatever they do. Athletes dream of the day where they can hoist the championship trophy over their head. They want to proclaim that they are the best in the world.
But Jesus doesn't see greatness that way. The eternal Son of God calls everyone who follows Him to imitate Him in everything they do. Jesus didn't come into the world to be served. He came into the world to serve sinners. He showed His greatness by making Himself the least of everyone.
The great saints of the Church have been those who were servants. In the past, we think of Francis of Asisi, Mother Theresa of Calcutta and Mary of Bethany. In our time, both Pope Francis and LCMS President Matthew Harrison are known around the world for their servant hearts for people hurting from disease or catastrophe. Their care and concern are for those to whom they are ministering.
Great Christ-like examples of what it means to be great servants. Great servants are those who humble themselves so they can help others. Great servants seek to find ways to help without all the hype and back-patting that athletes seek when hoisting their championship trophies. A great servant's championship trophy is much greater. "Be faithful unto death and I will give you the crown of life" (Revelation 2:10). Jesus has an eternal trophy in Heaven for each of His great servants. Including you. Amen.
