To Be Great is to Serve

Daily Scripture Threshing for Today, Saturday, October 25, 2025

Today’s Text: Matthew 23:8–12

Key Verse: Matthew 23:11 (KJV): “But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.”

Don't we all have our minds trained to measure greatness by rank, title, and applause? But then, in today's very clear teaching of Christ, came words like a thunderclap to His disciples, and to all humanity. He knows that we like to argue about position—who would sit nearest to the throne, who would lead when the kingdom came. These was also representative of His disciples. So, Jesus turned their expectations inside out. The pathway to honor in His kingdom was not upward but downward. The crown He offered was reached not by ruling but by serving.

In the world’s economy, greatness is measured by how many people serve you. In the kingdom of God, it’s measured by how many people you serve. “It shall not be so among you,” Jesus told His disciples. “Whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister.” This radical redefinition of leadership is grounded in His own example, for He “came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” The Lord of glory took up a towel and basin before He took up the cross.Servanthood, in the eyes of Jesus, is not weakness—it is worship clothed in humility.

To serve is to willingly take the lower place, not because you are less, but because love compels you to lift others higher. Greatness in God’s sight flows through smallness in self. The Son of Man washed the feet of those who would later flee, denied Himself for those who could give Him nothing in return. That is the measure of true greatness.“He that would be the greatest” must learn the joy of going low. He must see leadership as stewardship, authority as opportunity for kindness, and influence as a channel for grace.

Every hidden act of service—washing a cup, listening with patience, praying for others in secret—resounds loudly in heaven’s court. The quiet servant walks in the footsteps of the One who stooped to save.To be great is to be gracious. To lead is to love. To serve is to shine. In the kingdom where last becomes first and first becomes last, Jesus calls us not to chase recognition but to reflect His heart. When we serve, we share His likeness; when we humble ourselves, we become vessels of His glory.

Action Steps: Find one practical way today to serve someone without expecting anything in return. Offer your strength where weakness appears, your words where encouragement is needed, and your time where presence is the gift. Whisper to your heart as you do: “In this, I follow my Lord.” Remember, greatness begins not on a throne but on a towel’s edge.

Quote for the Day: “In God’s kingdom, the ladder to greatness leans downward—each step is a deeper bow of the heart toward love.” (Simon Olatunji #quotablequote)

Let Us Pray: Dear Lord Jesus, Servant King and Redeeming Lord, teach me today the sacred art of humility. Strip from me the pride that longs for notice, and clothe me instead with compassion. Let my hands be ready to serve, my lips quick to bless, and my heart eager to follow Your example. Make me great only in love, rich only in mercy, and strong only in grace. This I ask in Your name, Jesus, the Servant of all. Amen.

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Thank you for walking this path of faith and reflection. For deeper study on servanthood and true greatness, read: Mark 10:42–45, John 13:1–17, and Philippians 2:1–11.

With all my love and prayer,

Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D.

Your Darling Bishop (DaBishop)

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