Imagine a corporate boss, who despite his high status, regularly takes the time to listen and to personally assist his employees no matter their role or status within the company. Certainly, that would be the type of boss any of us would want to work for! Humble leadership is a rare quality.

We have no greater example of humble leadership than Jesus. In Matthew 20, the mother of James and John, two of Jesus’ disciples, asked for places of honor for her sons in His kingdom (vv. 20–21). Jesus responded: “You don’t know what you are asking” (v. 22). Following and serving Jesus was not about prestige but about following His path of service and suffering.

Jesus explained that in His kingdom true greatness would be found in serving others: “[W]hoever wants to become great among you must be your servant” (v. 27). This echoes some of Matthew’s major themes: self-denial, status denial, servant-leadership, and Jesus’ mission.

Like the corporate boss who sets aside status to serve his team, Jesus— though He was God Himself—stepped into human history as a baby. He then served humanity by sacrificing His own life to offer eternal life. Jesus’ presence was marked by humility and service, not domination and control. Although He deserved all the glory, Jesus used His life to bring hope and justice to the marginalized. His presence brought healing, restoration, and dignity to the overlooked.

This is a counter-cultural perspective on greatness. In God’s kingdom, greatness is not about power, control, or status but about service and sacrificial love. Verse 28 gives a beautiful picture: “the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”