Being a Slave
I remember in Latin class at Avondale High School when we learned the word for slave or servant. Our teacher told us that the word could be translated as either slave or servant. From that day whenever we did a translation every member of the class would always translate the word servant, instead of slave. Finally, the teacher stopped the class and told us that the word really meant slave so that we should translate it that way.
Why did that happen? In America we hate the idea of slavery. I suppose it is that way all around the world. No one wants to be a slave for someone else. It seems demeaning, and it speaks of inferiority. However, Jesus said that in order to be great one must be a servant, and to be first one must be a slave. (Matthew 20:26-27) That is unusual that He would use a word and a concept that people hate to describe what it takes to be great in God's eyes. However, when we really stop to think about it, it makes good sense. Even Jesus came not to be served, but to serve and to give His life a ransom for many. (Matthew 20:28) Who is greater than Jesus? No one is greater than Jesus. He has a name above all names, because He humbled Himself and died for us the death of the Cross. He was the greatest servant or slave the world has ever known. (Philippians 2:5-11) He did just what the Father asked Him to do. He did what we all needed Him to do to save us from sin. He was a selfless slave for us. Why would we not want to be just like our Lord?
Tomorrow, I intend to read Exodus 27-28 and Matthew 21:1-22.
Why did that happen? In America we hate the idea of slavery. I suppose it is that way all around the world. No one wants to be a slave for someone else. It seems demeaning, and it speaks of inferiority. However, Jesus said that in order to be great one must be a servant, and to be first one must be a slave. (Matthew 20:26-27) That is unusual that He would use a word and a concept that people hate to describe what it takes to be great in God's eyes. However, when we really stop to think about it, it makes good sense. Even Jesus came not to be served, but to serve and to give His life a ransom for many. (Matthew 20:28) Who is greater than Jesus? No one is greater than Jesus. He has a name above all names, because He humbled Himself and died for us the death of the Cross. He was the greatest servant or slave the world has ever known. (Philippians 2:5-11) He did just what the Father asked Him to do. He did what we all needed Him to do to save us from sin. He was a selfless slave for us. Why would we not want to be just like our Lord?
Tomorrow, I intend to read Exodus 27-28 and Matthew 21:1-22.