Exodus 10:1-12:13 / Matthew 20:1-28 / Psalm 25:1-15 / Proverbs 6:6-11
While Jesus’s disciples were fighting for position and recognition, I wonder what He was thinking. I think He probably smiled to Himself, seeing their imperfect human hearts and desires, but I also think He had compassion on their ignorance. They didn’t yet understand how the Upside-Down Kingdom worked.
They were used to having to put themselves forward to earn favor with leaders, or earn a living for their families. And we still do the same things. We still contend in this world for what we already possess through Jesus Christ in His Kingdom.
In verses 26-28 of Matthew it says, “But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. 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.”
When I read that Jesus came not to be served but to serve, my heart is reminded of the humility we must walk in as His followers. I don’t need a name for myself. I don’t need fame or notoriety, at least not according to this world. If I want true fame, true treasure, true abundant life, I must volunteer my life in service of God and others.
Let this be our prayer (Psalm 25:1-2a) O LORD, I give my life to you. I trust in you, My God!
