42 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 43 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Have you ever found yourself leaving a crowded parking lot after an event and had to sit waiting much longer than you think necessary? It can take an hour or more depending on what level of a parking garage you are on or whether or not there are people helping to direct traffic. When you’ve been waiting that long it can be hard to let another go before you. You’re just as tired and just and desperate to leave. Letting another go first will not ultimately prevent you from also getting where you want to go. It may add a few meer seconds to your wait. And you will have offered kindness, not to have it reciprocated, but because it’s what we would hope others might do for us. The next time you are growing impatient might you remember God’s invitation to serve, not to be served.