The Servant King: Lessons from the Gospel of Matthew

As I sat with my Bible, beginning my theology journey through the New Testament book which I have borrowed from my friend, I found myself deeply engrossed in the Gospel of Matthew as it is the start. I had just reached chapter 27, but the journey so far had already been incredibly enriching. I remember reading about Jesus' genealogy in the opening chapter and being struck by how Matthew traced his lineage back to King David, establishing him as the rightful heir to David's throne. This set the stage for understanding Jesus not just as a figure of Jewish expectation but also as a universal savior in the perspective of the Bible and its followers.

I became obsessed with Jesus's teachings about the kingdom of heaven as I read more of the Bible. I was deeply touched by his appeal for people to repent of their faults and his emphasis on humility and goodness. I particularly liked how he taught that greatness is not about power and prestige as people nowadays feels but about serving others with love and kindness regardless of their past and doings. The beautiful verses in Matthew 5:3–12 stood out to me, as they painted a vivid picture of what it means to live in the kingdom of heaven—where the humble are exalted, the poor are blessed, and the servants are considered great. There is also a dialogue where Jesus says that who are first here will be last and who are last will be first which is altogether a different topic which we will discuss further or in another blog.

However, there was one verse that really caught my attention and made me pause: "The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:28). This verse encapsulated the paradoxical nature of Jesus' mission as both the humble servant and the majestic king. It was this concept of the Servant King that I found most compelling.

As I continued reading, I encountered numerous stories that illustrated Jesus' role as a servant. His healing of the blind and the lame in the temple (Matthew 21:14) was a powerful example of his compassion and care for humanity. Yet, when he declared, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me" (Matthew 28:18), I was reminded of his kingly authority and universal dominion.

One of the themes that got stuck with me was the idea of the kingdom of heaven as a present reality, not just a future hope. Jesus taught that this kingdom is not a place but a way of living where God's will is done on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10). This challenged me to think about how I could live out these values in my daily life—by serving others, practicing forgiveness, and striving for humility.

If I look around, "values" are something 90 percent of people nowadays are lacking. I do ask myself, How do people with no morals and values survive by doing wrong to others? Then, on the flip side, I also have the habit of minding my own business. Thanks to my god, who gave me the power to read and understand the values that they have narrated in all the religious books. I have figured the way out by reading through instead of following blindly.

| Also Read: Healing Through Forgiveness: Lessons from the Bhagavad Gita 

As I reflect on my journey through Matthew's Gospel so far, I am grateful for the insights into Jesus's life and teachings. The concept of the Servant King has inspired me to reevaluate my own approach to leadership and service, reminding me that true greatness is not about what we achieve but about how we serve others with love and compassion. 

Reflections and Applications

Throughout my journey through Matthew's Gospel, I have been challenged to reevaluate my own understanding of leadership and service. The concept of the Servant King invites me to embrace a lifestyle of humility and compassion, recognizing that true greatness is not about power or prestige but about serving others with love and kindness.

In my daily life, I am encouraged to embody the spirit of servanthood by looking for opportunities to serve others, whether through volunteering, listening to those in need, or simply being present for those around me. The Kingdom of Heaven, as described in Matthew, inspires me to work towards creating a community that reflects these values—where everyone is valued and everyone serves each other and makes themselves grow while tackling problems.

Conclusion

My journey through Matthew's Gospel has been a transformative experience, offering profound insights into the nature of God's kingdom and the character of its ruler, Jesus Christ. The portrayal of Jesus as the Servant King is a powerful reminder that our faith is not just about doctrine but about living out the values of humility, compassion, and service. As I continue my theological journey, I am excited to explore how these themes unfold throughout the rest of the New Testament and how they can shape my life and interactions with others.