The GOAT

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.” (Matthew 20:25-28 ESV).

 

I am often amazed at the cultural phenomenon that coined the acronym “GOAT.” I’m sure you’re aware that it stands for “Greatest of All Time.” It has been applied to athletes, musicians, actors and actresses, and many more personalities. It has even been applied to inanimate objects such as insurance, stores, and purchases. Well, Jesus has defined the real means to becoming the “greatest” in our reading today.

 

The background is very interesting. James and John wanted to know which of them was the greater. It is possible that they put their mom up to this task. I’ve had parents ask for some pretty interesting favors for their kids, but nothing compares to this. And when Jesus asks James and John if they could handle the challenges he would face, they are all for it. But they really have no idea what they’re talking about. The other disciples’ response is eye-opening too: they were “indignant with the two brothers.”

 

Jesus doesn’t let this moment go to waste. He uses it to teach about being a servant. Though the world prizes money and possessions, leadership and authority, Jesus’ way of doing things flips that upside down. The first will be last, and the last first — so we are called to serve rather than to direct as a king or master might. Serving people is key to what it means to be a disciple in Jesus’ kingdom.

 

Jesus doesn’t hesitate to use himself as the prime example. If anyone ever qualified as having authority, it is Jesus: Son of God, healer of all sorts of illnesses, with power over life and death, authority over demons, and much more. Jesus tells his disciples that he has not come to be served, but to serve.

 

If Jesus came to be a servant, then we, his followers, are called to be servants too. Be careful how you exercise your position over others. We must be servants. That is the only way to be the GOAT!