Matthew 20:17-21:11.  Zechariah’s prophecy that predicted the triumphal entry on a donkey’s colt goes on to say “because of the blood of my covenant with you, I will set your prisoners free” (Zech. 9:11).  This deliverance would only come when the master of all became a servant of all – surrendering himself to be mocked, flogged, and crucified (20:19).  Two stories in this passage highlight the call to serve:

1. The mother of James and John could not persuade Jesus to make them greatest in the coming kingdom.  But Jesus did use that incident to teach that whoever would be great must serve.  Even he came not to be served but to serve, and give himself as a ransom for many (20-28).
2. Two blind men sitting in need of help.  Jesus stopped to serve them.  Serving the needy is what greatness is for (29-34).

LORD, may we seek not to be served, but to serve – as you did.

“the Son of Man came … to serve”  (20:28).