But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves. (NIV)

I remember watching the hit musical Hamilton on a 55" TV screen, wishing I could be, just as Hamilton's character sings, in the room where it happens, rather than merely watching the catchy musical numbers unfold from far away in my friend's living room. In the story, Hamilton's character longs for influence and greatness - he wants to be in the room where it happens. He wants to be a part of the moments in this world that matter.‍

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Hamilton's ambition carries him far by the world’s standards, but it costs him, too. Hamilton loses the battle of balancing helpful ambition with harmful pride, and it costs him much – from his relationships to his peace. I’ve also found myself at times longing to be in the room where it happens, with a seat at the table, to be able to influence and, as Hamilton says, "to build something that's gonna outlive me." Like an athlete who wants to be in the game, not on the bench, it's partly because I want to be able to use my God-given gifts to influence the things I care about in this world. And I believe that's a good thing! God created us to desire to do work that matters - to build HIS Kingdom. But, just like all good gifts from God, Satan is working around the clock to twist this desire into something that will destroy us.

This twisted version of ambition - pride - whispers the lie that if we're not in the room, if we don't have a seat at the table, it's because we don't matter. It seems Hamilton wrestled with this lie, and so did Jesus' disciples. Luke 22:24 says, "A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest." They were grasping for status and influence among themselves as they followed the greatest of all: Jesus.  

Don't we do the same? If we are honest maybe we've thought or even said something along these lines: How did he get put in that role? I'd do a much better job. Or, why did she get the promotion? I work so much harder than her. Or, Everyone thinks he's so amazing, but I see what others don't.

And here we are, arguing among ourselves about who is the greatest, just as they did. Thankfully for us, Jesus sees the darkness in our hearts, but he doesn't shun us for it. He graciously shows us the way of restoration as we follow him, just like he firmly corrected his disciples in this moment.  

This is what he says to them in Luke 22:25-27: "The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.'"

Jesus reminds them that he IS the greatest, and yet, his purpose on the Earth is to serve the world by dying to save it. I imagine Jesus' sentiment being something like this: You want a seat at the table, huh? Listen, being in the room where it happens will never satisfy you. Instead, follow my lead and serve your heart out. That is true greatness.

This, my friends, is one way we can follow Jesus’ example of sacrificial living. I don't know where Jesus is calling you to sacrifice this week. Maybe it's in your work, where you wanted a level of influence, honor, or prestige that wasn't given - unfairly or not – but instead God is giving you the opportunity to serve with humility. Maybe it's in a relationship, where your partner or a friend or family member is receiving more honor, time, or attention - how might Jesus be calling you to serve them through that? This could look like putting your kid's needs ahead of your own, and that's hard sometimes! It could look like blessing your spouse by encouraging them to pursue something in this season instead of what you had hoped for. Or it might look like showing up for a friend who isn't showing up very well for you right now. Whatever it is, when our hearts tell us to look out for ourselves - to argue about who is greater, to make sure we're in the room where it happens - may we follow Jesus' example instead. May we be like Jesus - one who serves our heart out in his name and for his glory alone!

Jesus, I need you! My flesh tells me to take care of myself and to grasp for greatness, but you have shown me a better way. Teach me to serve like you did. May it be all for your glory and none of my own. I love you, Amen.