Second’s Appearance
Surrendered – Part 2
Scripture Reading: Matthew 20:20-28
Key Verse: Matthew 20:26-27
Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave–
Yesterday we looked at a mother who was pushing her sons to the front of the table; a mother who wanted them to be first! But Jesus wanted His followers to understand that those who want to be first in His kingdom must become second. Jesus used the Greek word “doulos” to describe what “second” looks like. In their society it pointed to a slave. A slave was a person who, because of his poor economic condition in life, had surrendered his own interests and served the interests of others.
If we plan to be first in God’s kingdom, we must surrender our definition of first and become second. In other words, our interests and our desires must be second to the interests and desires of our Father in heaven. What does it look like to be second? It looks like a servant. In the eyes of our world, it looks like a person who continually takes the back seat, allowing others to be in the spotlight.
Would you like to be first in God’s eyes? He is watching your behavior and values. He sees when you try to serve others or if you try to serve yourself! He sees when you seek self-promotion or when you push others to be promoted. Can you say, “I am second”?
Father, as I go through this day, remind me to step back and allow others to be first. Remind me to be a servant! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.