Jesus Redefines Greatness
“Greatness Redefined” Text: Matthew 20:25–28 “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant...” (v. 26) In Matthew 20, two of Jesus’ disciples—James and John—through their mother, made a bold request: positions of honor in Jesus’ kingdom. The other disciples were indignant, not because the request was inappropriate, but because they wanted those spots too. Jesus responded not with rebuke, but with a radical redefinition of greatness. The Error Jesus Warns Against: Jesus said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them... Not so with you.” (vv. 25–26) Here’s the warning: Do not build the church the way the world builds power. In the world, leadership is often about position, status, and control. It’s about being served, being seen, and being honored. But Jesus flips that completely on its head. True Greatness in the Church: Jesus says that in His kingdom, greatness is not measured by how many serve you—but by how many you serve. “Whoever wants to beco...