Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave — just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.�

Matthew 20:25-28

ironically, being a servant just to be first isn’t really serving others now is it? it’s a means to your ends. i think that’s one of the things that has tripped people up about this pasage over time, being a servant for servants sake is different than being a servant to get a reward. if you’re just working for a reward it’s service to yourself.

we can use Jesus as an example, He came to die. simlple, cold fact. what did He expect out of it? nothing. however because of his act, we can now all be free. it was a selfless act which is what is important to note here. not what was done, but that what was done was selflessly for the sake of other.