Jesus called [the disciples] to Himself and said to them, You know that those who are recognized as rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them; and their great men exercise authority over them.
But it is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant;
and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all.
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.
The two brothers, James and John, had just asked Jesus if they could have high positions in His Kingdom, and the other disciples were indignant with them, because they had not thought to ask.
So Jesus wanted to make clear to them the Divine Order of authority: first be under authority, willing to serve; then you will receive honor.
Jesus is our example. Although He really did have authority over all Creation, with all the honor and glory with the Father; He left it all to come down and become a Man with us.
Paul wrote to the Philippians:
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who being in the form of God, did not think it robbery to be equal with God: But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a Man, He humbled Himself, being obedient unto death, even the death of the Cross. (2:5-8.)So the highest Being who exists, the One who is the Creator and Owner of all, became the Servant of all, not lording it over anyone. He learned obedience through all that He suffered (Hebrews 5:8); that's why we can learn to do what is right by experiencing the consequences of wrong choices, our own and others'.
This life is our school, where we learn, take tests, and learn more. But it's the tests that show us what is better than we have known so far, it's how we progress and grow. And it can be a real test to serve someone who is not appreciative of your service.
Jesus knew that most people would not appreciate what He went through, and many would even refuse to believe He came at all. He came to serve us all, and even to be persecuted extremely, to be executed as a criminal--the criminal we all are.
So He was rewarded by God:
Wherefore, God also has highly exalted Him, and gave Him a Name which is above every name: That at the Name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in Heaven, and things in Earth, and things under the Earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:9-11.)That is why He told His disciples not to lord over others whatever authority they have over them, to lead by serving, and be willing to to give up anything or put up with anyone, to do what's right.
Jesus did that, now He is exalted. And we are to take His example and live as He did. If we do that, then we also will be rewarded, in His Kingdom, forever.
O my Father, please help us to do whatever we need to do, uncomplaining, cheerfully, even, to do what You have planned for each of us, to fulfill our part in Your great Plan of the Ages. Teach us to humble ourselves, to serve, and to expect everything You have promised.
Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
