Jesus and Serving Others? | Lessons From Matthew 20

Jesus and Serving Others: A Lesson in True Greatness

Have you ever wondered what really matters in your walk with Christ? It is easy to get caught up in routines, traditions, and everyday responsibilities. However, Jesus gives us a clear reminder that a meaningful faith is shown through love, humility, and serving others.

The message of Matthew 20 expects us to look beyond ourselves. Jesus teaches that true greatness is not found in power or recognition. Instead, it comes through a heart willing to help others.

What Does It Mean to Serve Others?

When we follow Christ, we sometimes lose sight of our main purpose. Yes, gathering with other believers, worshiping, and growing in faith are important. But Jesus also calls us to live out our faith through Christian service.

Serving others is not just an extra thing we do. It is part of the life Jesus modeled for us.

It is easy to pray and ask God for the things we need. We often bring Him our concerns about health, family, finances, and personal struggles. These prayers matter because prayer is how we communicate with God.

In this Matthew reading, a woman came to Jesus asking for a special blessing for her sons. However, she did not fully understand what she was requesting.

Serving Other People – Jesus Says

“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 your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:26-28

Jesus turned the world’s idea of greatness upside down. In His kingdom, the greatest person is the one who humbly serves.

Be Careful What You Ask For

The story in Matthew 20 shows a mother coming before Jesus with a request. She bowed before Him and showed respect, but she also wanted something for her children.

Like many parents today, she wanted her sons, James and John, to have important positions. She likely expected Jesus to become an earthly king and wanted her family to have a place of honor.

But Jesus was teaching about a much greater kingdom.

To Sit Beside Jesus

 Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to Jesus with her sons, bowing down and making a request of Him. And He said to her, “What do you desire?” She said to Him, “Say that in Your kingdom these two sons of mine shall sit, one at Your right, and one at Your left.” Matthew 20:20-21

Jesus asked James and John if they were able to drink from His cup. This was a reference to the suffering He would face, including the crucifixion.

“But Jesus answered, ‘You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?'” Matthew 20:22

The disciples wanted honor, but Jesus showed them that following Him also meant sacrifice, humility, and service.

Examples of Jesus Serving Others

Throughout His ministry, Jesus showed what true service looks like. He cared for the sick, welcomed the forgotten, forgave sinners, and offered hope to those who felt lost.

Jesus did not wait for people to become important before helping them. He served ordinary people with compassion and love.

His example teaches us that Jesus and serving others are inseparable. When we serve others, we reflect His heart.

You can read more about Christ’s example of fairness and compassion in this article about Jesus teaching about equal value and purpose.

How to Advance in Heaven

Jesus explained that the way to true greatness is different from the world’s standards.

“Whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.” Matthew 20:27-28

The people who serve with humility are the ones who honor God. Our value does not come from titles, attention, or status. It comes from belonging to Christ and living according to His example.

Why Are We Here?

God created us with a purpose. We are here to love Him and share that love with others.

The way we serve God is often through simple acts of kindness. A helping hand, a listening ear, or a word of encouragement can make a difference in someone’s life.

We all fall short at times, but God continues to guide us toward a life of love and service.

Jesus’ Service to Mankind

Christ went to the cross and gave His life to save us from sin. His sacrifice is the greatest example of love and service the world has ever known.

If Jesus was willing to serve us in such a powerful way, can we look for one small opportunity to serve someone else today?

Christian service begins with a willing heart.

Love in Christ,

– Bob

To learn more about the love and life-changing experience of Jesus Christ, please take a moment to read more here.

*Verses from New American Standard Bible (NASB).