Day 4: Pursue Servanthood
REMINDER:
It’s the Place tomorrow at 7pm! We believe that tomorrow you will have a fresh encounter with Jesus Christ!
Matthew 20:20-28 [New Living Translation]
20 Then the mother of James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Jesus with her sons. She knelt respectfully to ask a favor. 21 "What is your request?" he asked. She replied, "In your Kingdom, please let my two sons sit in places of honor next to you, one on your right and the other on your left." 22 But Jesus answered by saying to them, "You don't know what you are asking! Are you able to drink from the bitter cup of suffering I am about to drink?" "Oh yes," they replied, "we are able!" 23 Jesus told them, "You will indeed drink from my bitter cup. But I have no right to say who will sit on my right or my left. My Father has prepared those places for the ones he has chosen." 24 When the ten other disciples heard what James and John had asked, they were indignant. 25 But 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. 26 But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. 28 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many."
The world continues to be obsessed with positions, titles, and the prestige that comes with them. Throughout history, many have sought leadership roles for the recognition and power they offer. Even the disciples of Jesus were not immune to this desire. In this story, it was the mother of James and John who approached Jesus, asking for positions of honor for her sons. But deep down, all the disciples were likely competing for the same recognition. This internal struggle for status might be the reason they became upset with each other, feeling that someone was trying to get ahead.
Jesus however, had a different perspective to offer. He told His disciples that His mission was not to give out positions or titles. His purpose was not about gaining power or glory, but about serving others. Jesus, who is the Son of God, came to give His life as a ransom for many, showing the ultimate act of love and sacrifice. Through this, He redirected His followers' focus away from worldly ambition and toward a life of service.
Jesus’ message was clear: pursue servanthood, not positions. Instead of seeking status or authority, His disciples were called to be servants. This is the path Jesus walked, and it’s the path He expected His followers to walk as well. Leadership in the Kingdom of God is not defined by titles, but by the heart of service. True greatness in God’s eyes is not about being served, but about serving others.
Even those who rise to positions of leadership are not to be defined by their authority or position, but by their willingness to serve. True leaders in God's Kingdom are those who humbly serve others, following the example set by Jesus. This is the radical shift in thinking that Jesus sought to teach His disciples, and it’s the same challenge He offers to us today.
As we step into 2025, may our lives be marked by servanthood. Let us not be consumed with titles or positions, but rather with the desire to serve those around us. May we follow Jesus' example, finding greatness in humility and leadership in service. This year, let us pursue true discipleship, living lives of love, sacrifice, and service.
QUESTIONS FOR PERSONAL REFLECTION
1. In what ways can you pursue servanthood this year? In what areas of your life can you lead by example through humble service and follow Jesus' call to serve those around you?
2. Are you in some leadership position? How does this impact your life and role? How will you keep pursuing servanthood while in leadership?
PRAY FOR…
Pray that God will raise up in FFA more leaders with a heart to serve. Pray that as a church, we will be discipling and developing next generation leaders.
Pray for all the FFA leaders: Pastors, Board of Elders, Ministry Heads, Faith Group Leaders. Pray that they will lead from a heart of servanthood. Pray for humility and submission to Jesus and His Lordship.
Pray for the leaders of this nation: President, Vice- President, Senators, Congressman, Provincial and Local Leaders. Pray that their leadership will be marked by servanthood and humility. Pray for integrity in their hearts and deeds.
