October 7
True Greatness
Through Service
Mark 10:43-45
Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.
Daily Steps
This passage offers the new believer a radical definition of true greatness in the kingdom of God (Day 268). Jesus overturns the world’s hierarchy, proclaiming that power is found not in demanding service, but in giving it, using His own life as the ultimate example: whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.
The peace in this principle is found in ultimate paradox:
The New Hierarchy: Jesus directly challenges worldly ambition: Not so with you. Worldly success seeks status and privilege; Christian success seeks humility (Day 280) and vulnerability. The path to becoming great is to become a servant, and the path to being first is to be a slave of all. This radical reversal is the core of Christ-like living.
The Ultimate Example: Our motivation for service is found in the life of Christ: For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve. Jesus, the Lord of all authority (Day 273), willingly lowered Himself to serve others (The Discipline of Humility, Day 234). This example provides the power to reject self-indulgence (Day 280).
The Climax of Service: Christ's service was finalized in the greatest act of selflessness: and to give His life as a ransom for many. His death on the cross was the ultimate act of service, paying the price for our freedom (The Redemption of the Cross, Day 225). This act secures our reward (Day 281) and guarantees our eternal peace.
Your peace is secured by ultimate paradox. Embrace the Practice of Service today by seeking opportunities to be a servant and a slave of all, knowing that your willingness to lower yourself mirrors the action of Christ and is the only path to true greatness in God's Kingdom.
Reflective Question
In what area of your life are you still seeking to be served rather than to serve? What specific privilege or position are you willing to lay aside today in order to become a better servant and embrace true greatness?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I confess my worldly ambition to seek power and status. I thank You that the Lord Jesus did not come to be served, but to serve. I pray for the humility and sincere love to seek to be the servant and slave of all. Secure my peace today in the knowledge that Your path of service is the path to true greatness and the most powerful demonstration of my Call to Mission. Amen.
