Following the Example of Jesus ... Unpacking the Message of Matthew 20:28
- Anthony Speciale
- Aug 16, 2025
- 8 min read
Greetings,
Following the Example of Jesus ✝️
"Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." — Matthew 20:28
Unpacking the Message of Matthew 20:28
Matthew 20:28 is one of the most profound declarations Jesus makes about His mission and purpose. When He says, “Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many,” He is not just describing what He came to do; He is redefining greatness in the Kingdom of God. In our world, greatness is so often measured by power, influence, wealth, or the number of people who serve us. Yet Jesus turns this upside down and says true greatness is found in humility, in service, and ultimately in sacrifice.
The first part of the verse tells us that Jesus, the Son of Man, came not to be served. Consider the weight of that statement. The One who created the heavens and the earth, the One who commands angels, the One who spoke galaxies into existence, chose to come to earth not demanding recognition, not demanding to be catered to, but deliberately laying aside His divine privileges to step into the role of a servant. That alone should leave us in awe. Jesus, who deserved all honor, willingly emptied Himself, modeling for us the humility that we are called to live by. If He did not demand to be served, then how can we ever justify living with an attitude of entitlement or self-centeredness?
The second part says He came to serve. This was not symbolic service; it was practical, hands-on, and deeply personal. He washed the feet of His disciples, touched lepers when no one else would, fed the hungry, comforted the broken, and healed the sick. His entire ministry was one of meeting the needs of people where they were. Service was not beneath Him—it was His very calling. For us, this raises a convicting question: do we see service as optional, or do we see it as central to the Christian life? Too often we want recognition or comfort, but Jesus reminds us that to follow Him means we are to embrace a servant’s heart. True joy comes not from being catered to, but from pouring ourselves out for others.
But then comes the most powerful part of the verse: He came to give His life as a ransom for many. Here we see the ultimate act of service—sacrifice. Jesus did not just serve with His time, His words, or His healing touch; He served by laying down His life. A ransom is the price paid for freedom, and Jesus became that price. Humanity was enslaved to sin, and the cost of freedom was His very blood. He did not offer a portion of Himself; He gave everything. His mission was not just to model kindness or compassion, but to reconcile us to God through the cross.
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When we reflect on this verse, it not only deepens our gratitude but challenges our perspective on how we live. It invites us to ask whether we are more concerned with being served or serving others. Do we look at our families, workplaces, or communities with the eyes of Christ, seeking how we can meet their needs, or are we more focused on what others can do for us? True discipleship is measured not by how high we climb but by how low we are willing to stoop in service.
This verse also gives us comfort when we feel overlooked or undervalued. Many times, serving others is thankless work. There may be no applause, no recognition, and sometimes not even appreciation. But when we look to Jesus, we see that the value of service is not in the reward we receive from people but in reflecting His character and fulfilling His call. Serving is not about elevating ourselves—it’s about glorifying God. And every act of service, no matter how small, becomes meaningful in His Kingdom.
Finally, this verse is not only about what Jesus did for us but also about what He calls us into. If He gave His life as a ransom, then our lives are no longer our own. We have been bought at a price, and now our purpose is to live in a way that honors Him. This means seeing service not as a burden but as a privilege. It means embracing opportunities to give, to help, and to sacrifice as reflections of Christ’s own example.
In the end, Matthew 20:28 is both an invitation and a challenge. It invites us into the security of knowing that we have been ransomed by His love, and it challenges us to follow in His footsteps by laying down our pride and embracing the beauty of servanthood. To live this way is to live in the rhythm of the Kingdom, where greatness is measured not by how many serve us, but by how faithfully we serve others in His name.
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Matthew 6:19-21
"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
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Here’s our 7-day weekly journaling plan based on Matthew 20:28 — “Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
This plan will guide you to reflect on servanthood, sacrifice, and Christlike humility, while applying it to your daily life.
Day 1: The Heart of Christ’s Mission
Reflection Prompt: What does this verse reveal about Jesus’ heart and purpose? How does it challenge your understanding of greatness?
Prayer Prompt: Ask God to give you a heart that desires to serve rather than be served.
Day 2: Redefining Greatness
Reflection Prompt: How does society define greatness, and how does Jesus’ example flip that definition upside down? Where in your life are you tempted to pursue recognition instead of service?
Prayer Prompt: Pray for humility to see opportunities for service as true greatness in God’s eyes.
Day 3: Service in Daily Life
Reflection Prompt: Think about your family, workplace, or community. Where can you intentionally serve this week? What small act of service could reflect the love of Christ?
Prayer Prompt: Ask for eyes to see practical ways to bless others without expecting anything in return.
Day 4: Sacrificial Love
Reflection Prompt: Jesus gave His life as a ransom for many. What does sacrificial love look like in your relationships? How can you reflect His willingness to give of Himself?
Prayer Prompt: Pray for strength to lay down selfish desires and embrace selfless love.
Day 5: Overcoming Pride
Reflection Prompt: In what areas of your life does pride hinder you from serving? How can surrendering pride open the door to greater Christlikeness?
Prayer Prompt: Confess pride before the Lord and ask Him to replace it with the humility of Christ.
Day 6: Serving with Joy
Reflection Prompt: Do you ever serve with a reluctant heart? How can you cultivate joy in serving, knowing it honors God and blesses others?
Prayer Prompt: Pray for a spirit of joy that shines through every act of service.
Day 7: Living a Life of Service
Reflection Prompt: What long-term lifestyle changes could you make to embody Christ’s example of service? How can you ensure service is not just an occasional act, but a way of life?
Prayer Prompt: Dedicate your life afresh to God’s purposes, committing to walk in the footsteps of Jesus who came to serve and give.
Closing thoughts as we pray for those reading or hearing this verse today...
Dear Beloved in Christ,
Following the Example of Jesus
In Matthew 20:28, Jesus reminds us of His heart and His mission:
"Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
What a powerful reminder of the humility and love of our Savior.
He, the King of Kings, chose the path of service, sacrifice, and ultimate love.
And as His followers, we are called to do the same.
Each act of kindness, each moment we put someone else’s needs above our own, is a reflection of Christ’s example in our lives.
True greatness is found not in being served, but in serving others with joy and humility.
May we live each day seeking opportunities to serve as Jesus did—lovingly, selflessly, and faithfully.
In Christ’s service 🙏🏻
Be Relentless In Pursuit Of The Will
Which God Has Set Upon Your Life,
❤️ Anthony and Anna Speciale
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