Choosing the Difference

August 22, 2019

Jesus told them, “In this world the kings and great men lord it over their people, yet they are called ‘friends of the people.’ But among you it will be different. Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant. Who is more important, the one who sits at the table or the one who serves? The one who sits at the table, of course. But not here! For I am among you as one who serves.” Luke 22:25-27

Today’s TV lineups are liberally sprinkled with “reality shows,” some of the most popular being those with entrepreneurs who “flip houses.” They take a neglected or very ordinary house and “flip it.” They make shocking and creative adjustments to the house, repurposing it for greatness. When the owners return to the house, they gasp in amazement! This is shockingly and wonderfully different than what they have previously experienced in that house.

Jesus is in the business of “flipping” relationships. There is a standard operating procedure that has operated in every culture in every time. The people in power, the ones with authority—kings, bosses, the wealthy, the “cool” ones, the “great ones” have first place. In the pecking order of our world, these people get the preferential treatment, and we are “thrilled and privileged” to know them regardless of their behavior. Many of our political figures, athletes, and celebrities in general are shown great honor, and we are almost giddy at the prospect of meeting them regardless of their behavior or self-centeredness.

Jesus flipped it. He made it the profound characteristic of His followers: “But among you it will be different.” Even though the world’s standard is completely different, in the Jesus rule the greatest people willingly choose the lowest rank. They don’t demand or assume privilege. The greatest ones are like Jesus. They are the ones who serve, not because they have to but because they choose to.

Now that’s a flip that is noticeable. People who see it are taken aback and inwardly gasp. They are seeing something that is uncommon and wonderful. It is incredibly different than the norm and their usual and expected experience. Jesus said this attitude would mark us, would define us. We would be known for our love, and the “unworthy” and “unimportant” would become significant in our eyes. We would raise their level of standing and satisfaction. “The way up is the way down.” My dad used to say that and live that. Apparently, he got it from Jesus.

• Jesus, help me live my life as a “flipper,” becoming great in servanthood and making others great. Help me be attracted most to people who need You through me, not to people who stroke me. Amen.