What does "a servant is not greater than his master" teach about discipleship? Setting the Scene John 15:20 records Jesus’ words: “Remember the word that I spoke to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you as well; if they kept My word, they will keep yours also.” Earlier, He had declared the same principle after washing the disciples’ feet (John 13:16). In both moments Jesus ties His identity as “Master” to the expected life of every “servant”—the disciple. The Master-Servant Principle • “Servant” (Greek: doulos) literally means slave—one who belongs wholly to another. • Jesus calls Himself “Master” (Greek: kyrios), underscoring absolute authority. • By stating the obvious—no servant outranks his master—Jesus sets the non-negotiable pattern for all who follow Him: whatever happens to the Master rightly flows down to the servants. Key Discipleship Lessons • Humility before Honor – John 13:14-15: after washing feet, Jesus says, “I have set you an example.” If He stoops, we stoop. – Philippians 2:5-8 shows Christ’s downward path; disciples walk it too. • Obedience without Exception – Luke 6:46: “Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” – True discipleship equals immediate, wholehearted compliance. • Expectation of Opposition – Matthew 10:24-25a: “A disciple is not above his teacher… If they have called the head of the house Beelzebul, how much more the members!” – 2 Timothy 3:12: “Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” • Shared Mission, Shared Power – John 15:20b hints at fruitfulness: those receptive to Jesus will also heed the apostles. – Acts 1:8: servants receive the Spirit’s power to continue the Master’s work. • Assurance of Blessedness – John 13:17: “If you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” – 1 Peter 4:13-14: sharing Christ’s sufferings leads to sharing His glory. Real-Life Applications • Reject every trace of entitlement; accept the lowest task in church, home, or workplace. • Measure decisions by one question: “Did my Master do or command this?” • When misunderstood or mistreated for biblical convictions, remember Jesus was first. • Elevate perseverance over popularity; prefer faithfulness to immediate results. • Serve others sacrificially—time, resources, reputation—just as He served you. Encouragement for the Journey • Our Master already walked the valley; we never face anything He has not faced (Hebrews 4:15). • Obedient servants share in His victories as surely as they share in His trials (Romans 8:17; 1 John 2:6). • The world’s rejection cannot rob you of the Master’s commendation: “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21). |
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