It Starts Small

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Scripture Reading:

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²⁸ just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Matthew 20:28

Has a parent, sibling, or close friend ever utterly mortified you in front of others? Perhaps they unearthed an excruciatingly cringe-worthy childhood tale or showcased embarrassing home videos that made you wish to vanish into thin air. Maybe they even had an awkward conversation with a coach or instructor to try and push you onto the field or snag that coveted first chair position. Parents, in particular, are notorious for believing their child is a superstar deserving of the spotlight. Whatever the incident, it’s likely that your loved ones have sacrificed your cool points for a few laughs. But fear not, you are most certainly not alone in this experience!

In Matthew 20, we read of a story that mirrors cringe. The mother of James and John cost them some major cool points with the other disciples.

²¹ “What do you want?” he asked her.

“Promise, she said to him, “that these two sons of mine may sit, one on your right and the other on your left, in your kingdom.”

Matthew 20:21

Suffice to say, the other disciples were visibly furious over this audacious stunt. Yet, as embarrassing as it was, for these “sons of thunder,” it marked a pivotal moment packed with a profound lesson. James and John were clearly yearning for greatness, passionate in their quest for authority and to be THE leaders. But Jesus, in His infinite wisdom, flips the script, shining a light on what true greatness looks like in His kingdom. He passionately reveals that what truly grants us authority as His disciples is not dominance, but the profound power of humble servanthood.

²⁶ It must not be like that among you. On the contrary, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, ²⁷ and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave;

Matthew 20:26-27

Jesus even cites for them the greatest example of this being lived out: Himself.

Jesus arrived not like the tyrants who dominate the earth, lording it over the people and displaying their authority with arrogance (Matthew 20:25). Instead, He came to reveal that genuine leadership is a profound act of love and service. His ultimate expression of this service? The extraordinary sacrifice of His life as a ransom for us—paying the impossibly steep debt of death that we owed by dying in our stead. He demonstrated that true greatness in God’s sight is rooted in humility, taking upon Himself our shame and enduring the agony of the cross.

So what does that mean to us?

It means that EVERY DISCIPLE is EXPECTED to SERVE.

So often, we treat serving as merely optional—a side quest that can wait for the right moment, for that fleeting instance when we find time in our busy lives. But let me tell you, it is NOT optional; it is EXPECTED! Serving is not just a personal choice; it is a divine command that resonates deep within us. Service is a calling, and that call reaches out to every single person who dares to call themselves a Christ-follower. Answer that call with fervor and commitment!

If Christ came to serve and gave Himself up, then we too must give ourselves up. Remember,

¹⁶ “Truly I tell you, a servant is not greater than his master, and a messenger is not greater than the one who sent him.

John 13:16

For the believer, there is absolutely no concept of spiritual unemployment or retirement! Following Jesus is an exhilarating journey of walking in His footsteps, diving deep into a vibrant life of service to God and humanity. It compels us to passionately utilize the extraordinary gifts we’ve been given for impactful acts of service (Romans 12:4-8, 1 Corinthians 12:4, Ephesians 4:7-13).

But how do we do this?

We reflect on the incredible sacrifices the Lord has made for us. He surrendered His beloved Son to endure the most excruciating death imaginable, bearing every sin—past, present, and future. By His death, He paid the ultimate price for sin. When we truly grasp this profound truth, serving Him should ignite our hearts with joy, not feel like a burden, a drag, or merely an option. If we find ourselves unable to serve the Lord with enthusiasm, something is amiss. I passionately urge you to uncover your spiritual gifts and immerse yourself in the joy of serving at your church.

With Christmas just around the corner and the New Year fast approaching, I urge you to gaze beyond the present moment and embrace the promise of the horizon. I dare you to make a courageous pledge to embody the transformative leadership exemplified by Jesus:

⁵ Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus,

Philippians 2:5

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© Kimberlee Smith 2025 http://www.itstartssmall.com All rights reserved.