As the crowds clamored for selfish gain, the Pharisees sought to trap Jesus to discredit His power and influence. Emerging from the private ministry of discipling His disciples, Jesus immediately faced a question from the Pharisees. A question not asked to learn but asked to test. The Pharisees want to talk divorce, but Jesus wants to talk marriage, applying the principles of “deny yourself” to avoiding divorce and doing marriage as God intended from the beginning. Let’s think through this tricky issue, in our day as in every day, well to the glory of God.

Don’t for a minute think walking as a humble servant is easy, comfortable, or for the weak. To be great in the Kingdom is to be the servant of all, and being a servant is not for the faint-of-heart. Faithful followership of Jesus is about a radical obedience that serves others and battles sin with an unwavering commitment to the King.

Someone famously said, “Everyone wants to be a servant until you are treated like one.” I’ve certainly found that to be true in my own life. I want to selflessly, sacrificially serve people, and yet my pride rises when I feel slighted or go un-thanked. We, like the disciples, need yet another lesson in discipleship. Following Jesus means following the way of the Servant. Denying ourselves means giving our lives away without looking to gain anything. This is the way of the servant.