The Way of the Kingdom: Gospel Today Devotional - 24th August, 2022

It was recorded in Scripture that the mother of two of Jesus' disciples came to him with a request. She came with a request to Jesus for her two sons. She told Jesus that she wanted her sons to sit one on his right hand, and one on his left hand in the kingdom. I am certain the Lord Jesus was amazed at this request as well. It was indeed a huge request. But then Jesus had to make it clear to her that it wasn't up to him to make that decision but to the Father.

 

Today, we shall be considering the things Jesus said to his disciples as a result of this occurrence in the paragraphs above. The very fact that the way to greatness in the kingdom is to live like a servant. The verses of scripture for consideration are seen below,

"But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; [27] And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: [28] Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many". (Matthew 20:26-28).

When the other disciples heard what happened, the scripture records that they weren't pleased with James, and John perhaps because they felt that shouldn't have happened, and they expected much more from them. And the Lord Jesus had to use that occurrence to teach them a very great lesson.

He told them that certain people who rule usurp authority on those they lead but that the way it is in the kingdom of God is different. And he gave them a very important secret that the best way to lead, and then to be great was not to usurp authority but to serve wholeheartedly those who they are meant to serve.

So he said if anyone desires greatness, he should seek to be a minister (seek to dispense yourself, and serve people with that which you have), and whoever will be the leader among them should become a servant because even he didn't come to be ministered to but to minister, and give his life for many. Shouldn't we then learn from our Lord, and Saviour Jesus Christ? Certainly.

This is to exhort you, and me, that the kingdom principle is different from the norm, and serving is what is regarded as the recipe for greatness in God's kingdom. You should seek therefore not to be great or to become the leader everyone sees first of all, but to willfully, and wholeheartedly give yourself for service. Become a servant, and a minister, and greatness will be the reward. The Lord help us all. Amen.

Daily Nugget:  If you must be great in God's kingdom, you must be willing to serve just as the Lord Jesus came not to be served but to serve.

Prayer: Lord, I ask that you give me the grace the give my service in your kingdom, never to usurp authority.

Gospel Today is a comforting, exhorting, edifying and inspiring devotional published by the Delightsome Land Christian Ministry. For questions, inquiries/testimonies, please call or WhatsApp: 09168301042 or Email: [email protected].