Matthew 20:20 Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to Jesus with her sons, bowing down and making a request of Him. 21: And He said to her, “What do you wish?” She said to Him, “Command that in Your kingdom these two sons of mine may sit one on 21Your right and one on Your left.” 22: But Jesus answered, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?” They said to Him, “We are able.” ...25: Jesus called them to Himself and said. “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. 26: It is not so among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be our servant, 27: and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; 28: just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and give His life a ransom for many.”
The world has struggled over the centuries to determine who was the greatest. Wars have been fought, families have struggled, nations have been divided, and lives have been lost all for the desire to determine the person or persons who will rule over the others. Jesus’ disciples were no different. They wanted the choice spots in leadership. James and John’s mother was so determined that she made a direct request for Jesus to place her sons as the two most important persons in His kingdom. Little did she understand that the drink Jesus mentions is the drink of suffering which will be realized at the cross when He becomes the ransom for the sin of every person in the whole world.
Jesus explains that the truly great people are servants. They are those who choose to give themselves in service and love to those in need. True leadership is servant leadership. To be a follower of Jesus means we not only serve, but do it with a cheerful heart and attitude. Someone has said, “How do you know if you have a servant heart?” The answer is simple. How do you feel when you are treated like one?
Who are you serving today? Are you giving yourself in service to those that God places in your pathway? The way of greatness is not in lording it over, or being the boss of scores of people. The true test of leadership is found in your attitude in serving them. The greatest person who ever lived was Jesus and he served by giving his life a ransom for many.
Will you follow His example today? It will give your life real purpose.
_____________________Today's personal note from Dennis
Greetings from Aspen Campground in the beautiful rim country of AZ,
Sandy and I are camping with our grandson, Collin, this week at Wood's Canyoun Lake. We have caught a few trout and are enjoying the cool weather; sure beats the 100 degrees plus in Tempe.
We will return home on Friday and return here on June 20 for another week. We will be with the Grace Community Church Family Campout. I will be speaking at the Sunday morning services here at Wood's Canyon Lake on June 26th. Grandsons Burke and Collin will be with us. The both will be at Church Camp the week between.
We attended our granson, Bennett's 8th grade promotion this past Friday. Hard to believe we will have a granson in high school next year.
I saw the oncologist on Friday and received a wonderful report. The cancer is still present but is considered stable. That means no growth in the past three months. When the Doctor asked how I was feeling I said, "Great!" He said nothing, but raised both hands in the air and looked toward heaven. I will see him again in four months and if the report is good like this one he will not see me again for six months. PTL
God continues to bless by giving us opportunities to share our faith with those who will listen. What a joy it is to tell people, "what the Lord has done." Psalms 118:17
May God bless you with a wonderful summer with family and friends, and may He meet the needs of your heart. Our Heavenly Father desire to give you peace, hope and encouragement. ~ DGW
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