Scripture references: Luke 22:24-26

This reminds me of the childlike taunt," I'm better than you are!
Na na na na nana!" What a silly thing to quarrel over!
"I am greater!" " No, I am!" " No, me!" They were arguing over
who was the best out of all of them right in front of Jesus Christ!
Now come on! Dispute is over! Who has the name above all names?
Who was the greatest servant of all time?

     And Jesus said unto them, The kings of the
     Gentiles exercise lordship [rule, dominion]
     over them; and they that exercise authority
     [control, bring under power] upon
     them are called benefactors [worker of good;
     philanthropists]

According to the Geneva Bible notes, Jesus was saying
rulers of the Gentiles exercised authority and control over
their people. They had these big titles. It was the custom to
honor princes with great titles.

     But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest
     among you, let him be as the younger; and
     he that is chief [one who leads, commands
     with authority], as he that doth serve.

Jesus exhorted these guys to live above the standard of the world. He
wanted them to look to his example of a true leader and servant.
The reason for leadership and service to God's people is not to receive
honor from men.

He that is greatest among us, is he who is like a new, fresh, youthful one
who serves.

What does this indicate? Youth are passionate and exuberant. They are
enthusiastic and positive. They are full of life and zeal. They have time to give.
They are meek and humble. They are hungry for more knowledge. They are free.

The greatest is he who is as the younger and the one who serves.

Leaders in the body of Christ are not called to rule and to receive
honor from men, but to serve.

1Peter 5:3

     Neither as being lords over God's heritage,
     but being ensamples to the flock.

Mark 10:45

     For even the Son of man came not to be
     ministered unto, but to minister, and to
     give his life a ransom for many.

John 12:26

     If any man serve me, let him follow me;
     and where I am, there shall also my servant
     be: if any man serve me, him will my Father
     honour.

Hebrews 6:10

     For God is not unrighteous to forget your work
     and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward
     his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints,
     and do minister.

Who is greatest? We will let God be judge.

But he who thinks he is the greatest, then be as the younger and serve.
He who wants to be the chief among us, ditto. All of us, who are NOT
in the "I am the chief" contest, can do likewise. Amen.

-Carol Kenreigh

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Please mail comments to kenreigh@bww.com

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