Shalom, welcome as we continue to study the Word of God.
Matthew 20:24-28 (ESV):“When the ten heard this, they were indignant at the two brothers. But Jesus called them to him and said, ‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.'”
Jesus makes a clear distinction between worldly ways and the kingdom of God. In the world, power is exercised through domination: the strong rule, and the lesser serve. Yet Jesus says, “It will not be so among you”—in God’s kingdom, the order is reversed. True greatness is measured by humility and service, not by status or authority.
Worldly wisdom vs. Kingdom wisdom:
The world teaches, “Pursue greatness to avoid being a servant.” God’s wisdom teaches, “Pursue humility to become truly great.”
Worldly wisdom says, “Love those who love you; hate your enemies.” Kingdom wisdom says, “Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, and do good to those who hate you” (Matthew 5:44; Romans 12:20).
Worldly wisdom seeks fulfillment in possessions and self-gratification. Kingdom wisdom says, “Whoever seeks to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for Christ’s sake will find it” (Matthew 16:25).
Because of this, Christians often appear countercultural. A believer living by God’s wisdom may seem foolish to the world because they do not pursue power, wealth, or revenge according to worldly standards. Yet this “foolishness” is true wisdom in God’s eyes.
The Cross as God’s wisdom:1 Corinthians 1:18-21 reminds us:“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: ‘I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.’ Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.”
Worldly wisdom cannot comprehend God’s ways. True wisdom comes from immersing oneself in the Word, meditating on it prayerfully, and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide understanding.
Practical application:
If you are a Christian, start loving those who oppose you today. Practice humility, even if it seems foolish.
In leadership, serve those under you with the same love and care you would expect for yourself. Even Jesus, knowing he would be betrayed, washed His disciples’ feet (John 13:1-17).
Learn to distinguish between reading the Word and truly studying it: meditation, prayer, and Holy Spirit guidance reveal God’s wisdom, not merely intellectual knowledge.
1 Corinthians 3:18-20 warns:“Do not deceive yourselves. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is folly with God. For it is written, ‘He catches the wise in their craftiness’; and again, ‘The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.'”
God blesses the humble, the servant-hearted, and those who seek His kingdom above all. True greatness is not in status but in obedience, love, and service. Let today be the day you embrace Kingdom wisdom and live contrary to the world.
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