In chapter three of his book, C.J. Mahaney shows how Jesus redefines greatness by being a servant to all, and in chapter four, he continues to show how Jesus demonstrates true greatness in giving Himself sacrificially as a ransom and Redeemer for sinners. The primary text which reveals the redefining and demonstration of true greatness is Mark 10:42-45 which says:

And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 43 But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Verses 43-45a reveal the redefinition; 45b reveals the demonstration.  The latter is a prerequisite for any of us to be delivered from the worldly definition of greatness and experience it’s true nature in our lives.  Mahaney writes,

“[O]ur own service to others is always both an effect of His unique sacrifice and the evidence of it.  His sacrifice alone makes it possible for us to achieve and experience true greatness in God’s eyes” (48).

Jesus’ death on the cross was the ransom which paid the price required for our deliverance from bondage, captivity, and condemnation, and Jesus’ resurrection from the grace vindicated His life as Savior and Redeemer of all those who put their trust in Him.  The reality that we need to be ransomed is, as Mahaney explains, a fresh reminder of how affected we are by own serious and sorry state, our miserable lostness, and wretched bondage to sin (52).

And yet the Savior died as a ransom.  We who have been rescued glory in our Redeemer.  Those who have been forgiven and transformed understand that “a fundamental and radical change has occured” in us so that “you have the desire to serve others and see God glorified.  We know the inner call to lay down our lives for one another because He laid down His life for us” (58).  Mahaney concludes,

“True greatness is attained only by emulating the Savior’s example–and made possible only by the Savior’s sacrifice” (58).

When it comes to the planting and establishment of a church, we must understand it is not about who gets the credit.  We will be asked to serve in ways we may have never imagined, doing things we are not gifted or passionate about.  If we lose sight of the fact that we have been rescued by our Redeemer who came not to be served but to serve, then we will find ourselves exhibiting an attitude and demonstrating a life contrary to Him who died for us.  May God keep us near the cross and cause us to serve one another that Christ may be glorified in all that we do, whether noticed or not.