Scripture
24When the ten other disciples heard what James and John had asked, they were indignant. 25But Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. 26But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, 27and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. 28For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:24-28
Observation
It’s the upsidedown kingdom of God. It’s different here. Where the greatest leader is the greatest servant. Where we don’t graduate FROM serving, but we graduate TO serving. Where we serve under a King who left the glories of Heaven to be bruised and beaten for our sins. Where instead of putting us in our place He took our place. Instead of self-promotion and prideful posturing, He teaches us to put others first and take take a lowly posture. We serve under a King who took off His royal robes of glory and picked up the servant's towel to wash the dirty feet of His disciples. “12 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. 13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” (John 13:12-17) The bottom line is this, we can’t enter the blessings of the Kingdom without an apron on.
Application
This morning is cold. Well, cold for North County. Our Life Group is meeting outside because the Starbucks lobby is closed inside due to COVID gathering guidelines. No sooner did we sit down but Julia came out with her Starbucks apron and offered to wipe down our tables with disinfectant. As I was moving my stuff I spilled my coffee and dropped my phone. She kindly picked it up and helped clean up. I couldn’t see her face behind the mask but I could tell it was kind and rather than her voice or posture being demeaning or frustrated due to my clumsiness she was happy to help. This is the posture of the Kingdom. This is our way through these divisive times. Instead of constantly fighting for your rights to be heard we take up our apron and serve. Serving not just those we like or who like us, but everyone always. Jesus washed the feet of Judas who He knew would betray Him. It reminds me of when I was a Starbucks barista in Kona. There was a mean older lady who would come in every single day it seemed to just find something wrong with our service. It didn’t matter how hard we tried her drink was never to her standards and she would always return it and ask for a new one. I began to try and avoid her and was grumbling about the fact that she never said “thank you” when a fellow barista came up to me. She said, “Did you know her husband just passed away recently?” I was stopped in my tracks, cut to the core, as I realized the truth. The only normal routine she had in her life was coming to Starbucks as she used to do with her husband. She didn’t know what to do with her grief so she took it out on us. That daily coffee was her tether to what once was and here I was begrudging her visit because of her ungrateful attitude. Pastor Wayne Cordiero once said, “The greatest test of a servant is when you are treated like one.” My servant's heart had been revealed to be pretty shallow in that moment and from that moment on I realized one of the best ways to serve those around me is to be kind… always. We have no idea the battles people are facing inwardly that are causing them to attack outwardly.
Prayer
There’s a lot of personal attacks these days. As people have reached an emotional breaking point they are taking it out on those around them. The tension of this year, the loss, the fear, the anger is spilling everywhere. It’s time to take up my apron and start cleaning up the mess, starting with me. Forgive me for my pride Lord. Jesus, where I tend to be defensive or offended I choose to serve instead. Thank You for coming for me and dying for me and serving me through Your ultimate sacrifice. Let me do the same for others. I don’t feel like serving mean people and I know You’re not asking me to be a doormat, but to put out the welcome mat for those I would otherwise avoid.
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