Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.
When I read today’s verse in the context of this chapter, I am inclined to sort of BLEEP right over it. It is like the narrator’s voice in my head reads, “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am,” and that is what I hear. When I get to, “Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him,” I seem to hear YADDA YADDA YADDA. Why?
For one thing, this saying seems out of context. Why would Jesus suddenly mention something about who is greater?
As I ponder this passage now, I think I see why.
Jesus knows that we like to be right. He knows we crave authority. Who doesn’t love having people doting on their every word and willingly doing what they say?
He also knows that wanting to be important is grounded in sin. (Matthew 6: 19-21)
The reason I don’t want to hear this particular verse is that it undercuts the desire of my flesh. This verse pulls the sheet off of my pride of self and my hunger for attention. This verse says, “Jeff, wanting to be right so you can look good is wrong.” Instead, it points back to Jesus, Creator of the Universe, who had just gotten up off his knees after washing the feet of everyone in the room.
Hmmmm… Not a lot of glory in that, is there? Nope. Jesus is not afraid to do the hard work of loving people. If I am going to follow Jesus, I guess I had better work a bit harder at doing the same.
Let’s Discuss: What does this passage say to you?
It highlights the truth that Jesus is the greatest. To be pleasing in His eyes I need to be more like Him. He is my role model and resembling His character is my goal