What an unusual playoff run the KC Chiefs have had this season. They found themselves 24 points behind in their first playoff game against the Houston Texans before finishing the game amazingly to win 51-31. Then, against the Tennessee Titans they played from behind 10 points before prevailing 35-24. Again, last evening in the Super Bowl, the Chiefs entered the 4th Quarter down 10 points with Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs QB, playing a lackluster game and his team increasingly discouraged. However, he took the game over, throwing two TD’s passes in the last half of the 4th quarter to win the game 31-20. In each of the playoff games, “the Magician” was the catalyst. There was no doubt who orchestrated Super Bowl LXIV last night…Patrick Mahomes. He was the MVP (Most Valuable Player).
You ever stop to think who Jesus considers His MVP’s? Jesus answers this for you several times in the Gospels. The following account occurred in Luke 22, “24 A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. 25 Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. 26 But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. 27 For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.”
Putting this in context, Jesus had just served the Lord’s Supper and had performed one of the most humbling acts of service. He had washed the disciples’ feet (John 13) relegating Himself to the lowest of the servants. Yet, the disciples had understood nothing with the audacity and immaturity to argue between themselves who was the “MVP disciple.” They were caught up with their own ego while Christ was facing death.
This is how Jesus described His MVP. He refreshed the memory of the disciples what the world considered great. “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors.” The “kings” lorded over others and had high-minded opinions of themselves. However, Jesus looked for just the opposite…“you are not to be like that.” He explained what true discipleship looked like. Jesus says for us to have simple faith vertically towards God like a little child who is fully dependent on his parents and loved ones. “The greatest among you should be like the youngest.” Furthermore, he states that the one who rules in the kingdom of God is a servant. You are no longer to be focused on you. Your focus is to be on others who need to be loved and cared for. This is diametrically opposite to what the world says. The Apostle Paul states clearly in Philippians chapter 2 what Jesus wants His MVP’s to look like, “3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” Now, you know who are His MVP’s. Allow Him to value and serve others through you.
Barnabas Man 