The Name Jesus Chose | Come Close, Part 1
Key Truth | Jesus had every right to claim the highest position, yet He repeatedly identified Himself as the Son of Man, coming near to humanity and redefining greatness through humility and service.
Key Scripture | “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” —Mark 10:45 (NLT)
We live in a culture that pays close attention to titles. Titles tell people where we work, what we have accomplished, how much authority we carry, and sometimes how important we should be considered. We may not always admit it, but being recognized can feel good. Being overlooked can sting.
That makes the way Jesus spoke about Himself especially interesting.
Jesus was fully God. He was the Messiah, the Son of God, the King of kings, and the Savior of the world. Yet throughout the Gospels, one of the names He used most often for Himself was “Son of Man.”
That title carries deep biblical meaning. It points toward the promised Messiah and the authority described in Daniel 7, but it also reminds us of something remarkable: Jesus willingly stepped into our human story. The One who had every right to remain above creation chose instead to enter it.
He experienced hunger and exhaustion. He knew friendship and rejection. He wept. He grieved. He suffered. He walked dusty roads, sat at ordinary tables, and lived among the very people He came to save.
And when James and John came asking for places of honor beside Him, Jesus used the moment to completely redefine greatness.
The world says greatness is found in being above others. Jesus said greatness is found in serving them.
The world says position proves importance. Jesus showed that security in who you are frees you from needing to prove anything.
Then He pointed to Himself: “Even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve.”
Jesus never used His authority to create distance between Himself and people. He used it to move toward them.
That challenges us because it is easy to want the recognition of following Jesus without always wanting the posture of Jesus. We may want influence, opportunity, or acknowledgment, while Jesus quietly keeps leading us toward humility, faithfulness, and service.
The humanity of Jesus reminds us that the highest King willingly took the posture of a servant.
And if we are becoming more like Him, greatness will begin to look different to us too.
Pay attention today to the places where you want to be noticed, appreciated, or recognized. Instead of fighting for position, ask Jesus to show you one opportunity to quietly serve someone. Let your confidence come from knowing who you belong to rather than from whether anyone notices what you do.
Reflection
Prayer | Jesus, thank You for coming near to us. You deserved every honor, yet You chose humility and service. Help me release my need to be recognized and teach me to find security in belonging to You. Give me eyes to see opportunities to serve and a heart willing to take the lower place when love requires it. Make me more like You. Amen.
Additional Scripture
Key Scripture | “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” —Mark 10:45 (NLT)
We live in a culture that pays close attention to titles. Titles tell people where we work, what we have accomplished, how much authority we carry, and sometimes how important we should be considered. We may not always admit it, but being recognized can feel good. Being overlooked can sting.
That makes the way Jesus spoke about Himself especially interesting.
Jesus was fully God. He was the Messiah, the Son of God, the King of kings, and the Savior of the world. Yet throughout the Gospels, one of the names He used most often for Himself was “Son of Man.”
That title carries deep biblical meaning. It points toward the promised Messiah and the authority described in Daniel 7, but it also reminds us of something remarkable: Jesus willingly stepped into our human story. The One who had every right to remain above creation chose instead to enter it.
He experienced hunger and exhaustion. He knew friendship and rejection. He wept. He grieved. He suffered. He walked dusty roads, sat at ordinary tables, and lived among the very people He came to save.
And when James and John came asking for places of honor beside Him, Jesus used the moment to completely redefine greatness.
The world says greatness is found in being above others. Jesus said greatness is found in serving them.
The world says position proves importance. Jesus showed that security in who you are frees you from needing to prove anything.
Then He pointed to Himself: “Even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve.”
Jesus never used His authority to create distance between Himself and people. He used it to move toward them.
That challenges us because it is easy to want the recognition of following Jesus without always wanting the posture of Jesus. We may want influence, opportunity, or acknowledgment, while Jesus quietly keeps leading us toward humility, faithfulness, and service.
The humanity of Jesus reminds us that the highest King willingly took the posture of a servant.
And if we are becoming more like Him, greatness will begin to look different to us too.
Pay attention today to the places where you want to be noticed, appreciated, or recognized. Instead of fighting for position, ask Jesus to show you one opportunity to quietly serve someone. Let your confidence come from knowing who you belong to rather than from whether anyone notices what you do.
Reflection
- Where am I most tempted to find significance in recognition, position, or the approval of others?
- How would my definition of greatness change if I truly followed the example of Jesus?
Prayer | Jesus, thank You for coming near to us. You deserved every honor, yet You chose humility and service. Help me release my need to be recognized and teach me to find security in belonging to You. Give me eyes to see opportunities to serve and a heart willing to take the lower place when love requires it. Make me more like You. Amen.
Additional Scripture
- Philippians 2:5–8
- Matthew 20:25–28
- John 13:12–17
- Daniel 7:13–14
- Luke 22:24–27
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