Matthew 20

Devotional:
But Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. 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. (Matt. 20:25-27).

This rebuke from Jesus follows on the heels of an unseemly request: the mother of James and John has just brazenly asked Jesus to grant her sons the two highest positions in the kingdom (verses 20-24)! Jesus uses this awkward moment to teach again that God’s kingdom is governed by principles which, by human standards, seem strange and counter intuitive. Accordingly, in God’s kingdom it is the lowly servant who is considered great, and it is the slave, the lowest of the low, who ironically gains the greatest prominence! The underlying theme is unmistakable: in God’s eyes, humility and readiness to serve are the traits of true leaders. Is this the sort of leadership we look for and model in our lives?

Pray it:
Father, make me into one who serves rather than one who seeks their own interests and glory. Show me this day whom I can serve and how I can serve – and give me the grace and strength to do it even when it does not come easy. Amen.

Share it:
Who is someone you can share a verse or thought from this passage with?