Servant | Carolyn E. Jacobs

But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles domineer over them, and those in high position exercise authority over them. It is not this way among you, but whoever wants to become prominent among you shall be your servant, and whoever desires to be first among you shall be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” – Matthew 20:25-28

When does Jesus tell the disciples this? Just before they head to Jerusalem and His crucifixion. To prepare them, He tells them He’ll be handed over to the religious authorities, and He’ll be condemned to death.

What happens next?

Do they weep and wail and say, “This can’t be?”

No. The mother of James and John has a request. Picture this. She brings her sons with her. I imagine her dragging one by the arm and one by the ear. She bows down and then makes a request. Is it, “How can we prevent this awful thing? Can my boys defend you?”

No. It’s, in essence, “Can my precious boys sit on either side of you (in positions of authority) in your kingdom?”

Read the room, lady.

Jesus reminds them He came to serve, to give His life that we might live.

The Last Supper occurs a few days later. It’s the last time of fellowship with all His disciples before the cross. Jesus take one more opportunity to serve these men He’s done life with for more than three years.

Jesus, knowing that the Father had handed all things over to Him, and that He had come forth from God and was going back to God, got up from supper and laid His outer garments aside; and He took a towel and tied it around Himself. Then He poured water into the basin, and began washing the disciples’ feet and wiping them with the towel which He had tied around Himself. – John 13:3-5

Knowing what’s to come, Jesus, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, chooses to love and serve His disciples one last time before He goes to the cross.