The Way of Strength

In The Freedom of a Christian, Luther asserts that the Christian is a free lord, servant to none, and a bound servant, subject to all (Martin Luther, Christian Freedom: Faith Working through Love [St. Louis: Concordia, 2011]). Today’s sermon text speaks directly to this paradox. Here Jesus proclaims his death and resurrection, which set us free; here Jesus calls his disciples to be servants of all. Together, these teach us that

The Greatest Is Servant of All.

We have our ideas about who is the greatest.

Jesus speaks of his Passion and death (vv 30–32).

That should certainly have set the tone for any further discussion.

But from what follows, it’s obvious that the disciples did not understand Jesus’ words.

Instead, the disciples argue on the way about who among them is greater (vv 33–34).

Jesus asks what they were discussing.

They are silent and guilty as Jesus catches them in their pride.

We have the similar debates.

Our pride asserts that we are better and free to do as we please in the Church.

Many who wish to be classified as Christians today imagine that the chief purpose of the Christian church is to be found in activities which relegate into the background the message of a Savior crucified for sin.

When in fact, the central message of the Bible is clear. But a “blood religion” does not appeal to the people of this world. They don’t want to hear repeated referenced to the ugliness of personal sin and the divine necessity of a sacrificial cross to atone for that sin.

We measure how things are BETTER differently than what scripture teaches. For example,

Some congregations compare themselves to others on the basis of size: they may say, “we have a larger congregation than they do.” Or, others might say, “we are better, or that church is better because of programs that keep children engaged;” unfortunately, this is the primary litmus test applied by many young families. Some gauge greatness on the basis of music, how modern and up-to-date it happens to be.

These people mistakenly suppose that the chief purpose of Christianity lies in spectacular demonstrations that appease the “felt-needs” of an individual.

Like the disciples, we have the wrong idea of greatness.

But Jesus shows us the true measure of greatness.

Whoever would be first, Jesus says, “must be last of all and servant of all” (v 35).

Jesus is surely the Teacher, the greatest among these men; he sits down with the Twelve, the posture of teaching.

But a truly great one would just as gladly serve a child as lead a band of men (vv 36–37).

This leaves no room for pride.

We measure greatness by how much service the “great” one receives.

But true greatness is found in how the “great” one serves others.

That is to say, true greatness is in humility.

Jesus is the greatest because he is the Servant of all.

We see in Jesus what anyone would be compelled to call greatness.

He is revealed in his miracles and teachings to be the Son of God.

He is revealed in glory on the Mount of Transfiguration.

But Jesus’ true greatness was now to be revealed (v 31a).

Jesus will now be handed over into the hands of men.

He will be physically beaten and abused by these hands.

He will submit to the schemes of evil men.

They will kill Jesus.

He will suffer the ultimate physical punishment: slow and painful death.

Jesus on the cross is the last of all men.

But Jesus suffers this to be the Servant of all.

His life is offered as a ransom for the whole world.

His life is offered as a ransom for your sins.

Jesus serves you in that He forgives you for all your pride in how you measure greatness differently that He does:

He forgives you for those times when you have thought other congregations were better because they have more to offer in the way of size, programs, music, and offerings for children, instead of how He measures greatness and success.

Jesus, Servant of all, is to be exalted—his greatness in humility confirmed—in the resurrection (v 31b).

Three days after his death, he rises from the dead.

The crucified Son of Man reigns eternally as the Servant King.

The Servant of all therefore sets you free to serve.

You have been joined to Jesus’ death and resurrection by Baptism.

You live in the kingdom of the Son of Man.

Here you are set free from sin and death.

Therefore crucify the sinful flesh with its desires.

Jesus purges you of pride and the desire to compare with others, humbling himself to serve you.

Jesus works in you that you also might be a servant. The main way we can serve is to be faithful in our respective stations in life. The Table of Duties — as found in the Small Catechism — has enough to keep us properly focused for the rest of our days.

Jesus exalts you, his humble servant.

You are exalted, reflecting the glory of the Son of Man.

In Christ Jesus, you are joined to the Servant of all, the greatest in the Son of Man’s dominion.

Servant to none. Subject to all.

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.