Be a Servant

“It is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:26-28

It wasn’t easy for Peter to restrain himself. He was a natural leader, and leaders lead others. However, the events of Christ’s last week on earth shattered any dreams Peter may have had concerning self glory and leadership. He watched in frustration as the Savior wrapped a towel around His waist and began washing the disciples’ feet. When he approached Peter with the basin of water, the disciple recoiled: “Never shall You wash my feet!” (John 13:8).

Jesus was firm in His reply, “Peter, don’t you understand; unless you allow Me to do this, then you will have no part of Me.” A restless silence stood between them. God was confronting the motive of Peter’s heart. Peter neither understood the ways of God nor was he ready for service. It takes both humility and grace to serve others. It also takes the same to allow others to serve you.

Peter’s life was still on the drawing board. Soon he would learn firsthand of God’s grace through the painful trial of humility. Jesus said to the disciples: “So the last shall be first, and the first last” (Matt. 20:16). The only way you will develop a servant’s spirit is by treasuring this truth deep within your heart.

“For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep...” Acts 13:36