The Unconventional Path to Greatness in God’s Kingdom

“Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Him with her sons, kneeling down and asking something from Him. And He said to her, “What do you wish?” She said to Him, “Grant that these two sons of mine may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on the left, in Your kingdom. But Jesus answered and said, “You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” They said to Him, “We are able.” Matthew 20:20-22

No other king in any realm before or after Jesus followed the path that He followed to His throne. The road that Jesus traveled, was one of humility and servitude. When Jesus asked James and John, whose goal, was to be great, if they could “…drink of the cup that He would drink of…” and “…be baptized with the baptism that He was to be baptized with…” they responded we can or we are able. I am quite certain that they did not grasp the magnitude of what they were signing up for.

In time, they would come to understand, that achieving greatness in the Kingdom of God is an unconventional path when viewed from a fleshly point of view. From a human perspective, it may seem unusual because it demands humility. In worldly terms, humility and meekness are not often seen as strengths. Being a servant is not typically viewed as a sign of greatness. Instead, greatness is often associated with being the one who receives service rather than the one who gives it. However, greatness in GOD’S Kingdom demands that we be servants.