“The Way Up Is Down” was the title of the sermon based on Jesus’ teaching, whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave (Mat 20:26, 27). One couple stayed for about 10 minutes. Then conspicuously got up and walked out in a way the entire congregation saw their displeasure. The couple had become quite wealthy in a pyramid type business by climbing higher and higher in the organization making their income grow exponentially.
Jesus’ teaching resulted from James and John’s political maneuver to become number one and two in His Kingdom and they weren’t alone in their ambition. The other ten apostles became indignant with the two brothers. But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them But it is not this way among you” (Mat 20:24-26). The disciple’s thinking was conformed to this world.
Jesus taught them the formula for advancement in His Kingdom. If you want to become great, then you become a servant and if you desire to be first, make yourself a slave. Jesus uses two different words for servant and slave. The word servant designated an attendant, who was a waiter for a table, a minister, or servant preforming menial duties. This is the word also translated deacon, later uses for the seven men chosen to care for the distribution of food to widows in the first church in Jerusalem. These servants could be slaves or free men who earned pay. The second word is doulos, the most common of the seven words translated servant or slave. The New Testament writers used it 156 times with 50 uses by Jesus. This designation meant a person was born into slavery, normally served in abject and servile conditions, and bound to the will of their master until death. The will of the master swallowed up their will.
I’ll be the first to say this is a sensitive area of doctrine to teach. Yet, understanding these words is an integral element for a correct understanding New Testament teaching and the relationship believers have with Christ. The problem arises when we think of a slave from the perspective of modern times and Western history. In the first century, half to two thirds of the population was slaves. The bulk was captives from countries Rome had conquered. The majority of the masters had the best interest of their servants in mind. Servants and slaves could become trusted confidants, friends, and even adopted by the family. The concept of servants and slaves became so common it provided an ideal means for New Testament writers in conveying the loving servitude Christians should have with Jesus after their spiritual new-birth. Four times Paul introduces his epistles, Paul, a bondservant of Christ Jesus. James, Peter, Jude, and John also refer to themselves as bondservants or slaves of Christ. This signified they served Jesus to the extent they disregarded their own interests. Paul presents Jesus as the ultimate example of a bondservant who, although He was God, emptied Himself, taking the form of a bondservant [slave] (Phil 2:7).
Realize all people are born as slaves. Some might be thinking, “I’ve never been enslaved to anyone or anything.” Note these verses: you were slaves of sin, slaves to impurity and to lawlessness (Rom 6: 19, 20), slaves of corruption, and by what a man is overcome, by this he is enslaved (2 Pet 2:19). “But I thought Christ came to set me free.” He did. The apostles understood that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price (1Co 6:19 20). Receiving Christ sets believers free from the bondage of sin. Then they become free to submit themselves as bondservants to Christ. We serve a good Master, Jesus has paid our debt of sin, the Holy Spirit lives within us, and He has our best interest in mind. He takes care of us supplying all that we need; He gives us spiritual gifts and provides a place for us to serve Him and bring Him glory in this life.
Advancing down from servants to bondservants with no will of our own is a process of growth. We tend to think we can live in both our old world and the Kingdom of God. Jesus said, No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other (Mat 6:24). As we progress, we understand this and surrender more and more to Him. Climbing the bureaucratic ladder in the Church, a Bible College, or Christian community is not this way among believers. Instead of seeking to become number one or two, focus on becoming His bondservant where He has placed you. Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time (1Pe 5:6).
Sustaining Word for the Week: Want to become great, become His servant; want to be first, make yourself His bondservant.