In Matthew 20:20–28, Jesus presents a powerful lesson that cuts to the heart of what it means to follow Jesus. The mother of James and John comes to Jesus with a bold request: “Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.” She desired honour, recognition, and a secure place close to glory for her sons.
But Jesus responds with something unexpected. He doesn’t rebuke her directly, but He shifts the conversation. He asks, “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?” The “cup” refers to His coming suffering and sacrifice on the cross. James and John quickly answer, “We can,” not yet understanding the true cost of that cup.
Jesus uses this moment to teach all the disciples and us about what greatness really means in His kingdom. While the world measures success by status, authority, and influence, Jesus offers a different model: “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave.”
In Jesus’ kingdom, the path to greatness is marked not by climbing higher, but by stooping lower. It’s about loving others more than ourselves, putting others’ needs ahead of our own, and finding joy not in being served, but in serving.
Let’s be truthful, we want it our way. It’s more than often me, myself and I and this is why Jesus tells her, “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” Meaning, He did its God’s way.
This is not just a teaching, it’s a lifestyle Jesus lived. He served the sick, welcomed the outcast, washed the feet of His disciples, and ultimately gave His life on the cross. He didn’t demand honour, He humbled Himself. And He invites us to do the same, meaning to be a servant to God’s will.
As a church, a faith community and as individuals, we are called to take the same path. True discipleship is found in service. Real strength is shown in sacrifice. And the highest calling is to follow Jesus into the places where love costs something.
We need to resist the pull of selfish ambition and embrace the work of serving others. Let’s be a people marked by humble hearts and servant hands.