Opening Your Bible
Loading study tools and insights...
LOADING
Loading study tools and insights...
Loading study tools and insights...
Matthew 20:26 (BSB)
It shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,
THE HOLY BIBLE
ListenListen · Chapter audio
Hear this chapter read aloud — the verse you’re on highlights as the reading moves forward.
Chapter read aloud · verse highlights follow along
Scripture quotations (main text) are from the Berean Study Bible (BSB), © 2016, 2018 by Bible Hub. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), ©2001 by Crossway, is used for comparison and word study only.
Bible Copyright & Permissions“It shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,” — Matthew 20:26
Imagine you're in a room filled with people, and everyone is clamoring for the spotlight, trying to be the best, to stand out. But suddenly, someone steps in and says, 'Hold on! That’s not how it works here.' This verse is about flipping the script on what greatness looks like. It tells you that true greatness comes not from being in charge or seeking attention, but from serving others. It’s a powerful reminder that to be a leader, you have to be willing to get your hands dirty, help others, and show love through action. It’s about humility and putting others first, which can feel counterintuitive but is so deeply rewarding. Can you see the beauty in that? It’s about heart, not hierarchy!
This book was written by Matthew, one of Jesus' closest followers. He was a tax collector before joining Jesus, which meant he was used to being on the outside looking in. Matthew includes this detail about serving because he saw firsthand how Jesus lived out this principle. He witnessed Jesus, who was the ultimate leader, washing feet and spending time with those society often overlooked. Matthew wanted to show everyone that Jesus turned the typical understanding of power upside down, and that’s a message that resonated deeply with him. It’s personal for him and meant to inspire you!
When this was written, the world was buzzing with power struggles and social hierarchies. The Roman Empire was at its peak, and people were obsessed with status and authority. In this culture, being a servant was often seen as weak, something to avoid. However, here comes Jesus, presenting a radical idea: that serving others is the real path to greatness. This was revolutionary! It wasn’t just a nice thought; it was a challenge to the way people lived and thought. Imagine the shockwaves this was sending through society at that time!
This verse matters for you today because it shifts your perspective on what success truly means. In a world that often equates greatness with power, wealth, or fame, this is a breath of fresh air. It invites you to find fulfillment and purpose in serving others, which can lead to deeper connections and a more meaningful life. Think about your own experiences—when have you felt truly alive? Often, it’s when you’re helping someone else or being part of something bigger than yourself. This message encourages you to embrace that spirit of service in your daily life, showing you that true joy comes from lifting others up.
Here’s something you can do this week: find a way to serve someone around you. It could be volunteering at a local shelter, helping a neighbor with their groceries, or simply listening to a friend who needs to talk. The key is to look for opportunities to put someone else's needs before your own. Start small and watch how it changes your perspective and your relationships. You might be surprised by the joy and fulfillment that comes from it—just remember, it’s about the heart behind the action!
This moment is part of a bigger story where the disciples are grappling with ideas of power and prestige. Just before this verse, two of them, James and John, ask to sit at the top spots next to Jesus in His kingdom. You can feel the tension rising—some disciples are upset, thinking they’re trying to cut in line! Jesus steps in and uses this moment to teach everyone a critical lesson: greatness isn't about lording over others or climbing to the top, but about serving everyone around you. This verse is a pivotal shift in the chapter, where Jesus redefines what it means to be truly great. It’s like a plot twist that changes everything!
What does being a servant look like in your life, and how can you practice that this week?
Keep reading the full Matthew 20:26 study — free
Sign Up or Login Free