Focus

As you quiet yourself for this brief time, be willing to be open to God in whatever way that may take place.

Read

Luke 22:24-30 (NRSV)

A dispute also arose among them as to which one of them was to be regarded as the greatest. But he said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you; rather the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.
“You are those who have stood by me in my trials; and I confer on you, just as my Father has conferred on me, a kingdom, so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

Reflect

Imagine that night. The disciples were sitting with Jesus celebrating the Passover. Then, Jesus began talking to them about one of them betraying him. Of course, they began questioning one another and even said it wouldn’t be them. Arguing began among the disciples as to who was the greatest in the eyes of others.

I bet none of you have ever sat in a session meeting when heated discussions took place. Or, have had a matriarch or patriarch in your church that felt he or she should be the one to make the decisions. After all, because they had been there the longest or had the deepest pockets, they get to make the decisions, right?

Fortunately, Christ didn’t quite see things the way the disciples or modern-day humans do. It is not power, deeds or money that makes one important. He tells the disciples not to worry about who is the greatest. He emphasized that it is those who serve who are the greatest in the eyes of God.

Service. Service to the church, to the community and, ultimately, to God. Service to honor God is what matters. If we are busy serving God, we won’t have time to worry about who is most favored. How are you being of service to further God’s mission that was taught first to the disciples and now to us? Let us go and serve.

Pray

God, we pray to honor you in our service to your churches and to your people. Help us to serve without favoring one person over another. For we know it is not power or money that makes us important in your eyes. Create in us a clean heart, O God, and renew a right Spirit within us (Psalm 51:10). Amen.

Go with God!