DECEMBER 17
MATTHEW 21:33–46

Jesus, the King of kings who came not to be served
but to serve and give his life as a ransom for
many, shows us what his kingdom is like.

 

When we look at politics, entertainment, sports, or industry,
it is clear that our culture is obsessed with greatness. The
people who are our heroes have lots of power, stacks of money,

piles of achievements, tons of human acclaim, warehouses of pos-
sessions, multiple houses, and fleets of luxury vehicles. We love

to watch videos that take us into their homes or let us see their
amazing cars. We view their yachts and mansions with a little bit
of longing in our hearts. We like feats of power, and we look up
to people who take control. Our heroes are kingdom builders who
have accomplished and acquired much, and who have crowds of
people around them to serve their purposes. We often watch the
coronation of another business leader, entertainment star, sports
champion, or national king and silently think, “If only.”
But the King of kings is unlike any earthly king. The Lord
Creator and sovereign of the universe did not invade the earth
he created so that he could set up an earthly kingdom and be
served. No, his coming, his life, and his death displayed ultimate
humble, self-sacrificing service. What was Jesus’s experience on
earth? An inauspicious birth and poverty of life. Mocking and

rejection. An unjust and violent arrest and trial. Horrific suf-
fering on the cross. Jesus poured out his life—not for his own

power and earthly fame, but for the eternal salvation of all who
put their trust in him. If this is the way of the King, then why
would we think that the call and culture of his kingdom would
be any different?

In Matthew 20 we find the mother of the sons of Zebedee asking
Jesus to secure a special place of honor for her sons in his kingdom.
Here is Jesus’s response:
“You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the
cup that I am to drink?” They said to him, “We are able.” He said
to them, “You will drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and
at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has
been prepared by my Father.” And when the ten heard it, they were
indignant at the two brothers. But Jesus called them to him and
said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them,
and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so
among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your
servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave,
even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to
give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matt. 20:22–28)
It is vital to understand that God’s kingdom is an upside-down

kingdom, where the path to greatness is via humble service. Be-
cause of the greatness of Jesus’s service, we have hope in this life

and the one to come.

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Prayer

I love your kingdom, Lord. I love how you rule over all time and
space and yet make your reign most evident in this world through
the suffering band of fallen saints known as the church. Make
your people to follow after your example of service, not notoriety.
May we love and sacrifice for others, just as you have done for us.

I pray in your name, amen.