Dear friends,
We hope this week's devotional will encourage you in your spiritual walk.
You are welcome to share this and include in your church newsletters if you wish; we just ask that you please give credit to NTC and the author. Thank you!
Matthew 23:1-12
1 Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, 2 “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat; 3 therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they teach. 4 They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on the shoulders of others; but they themselves are unwilling to lift a finger to move them. 5 They do all their deeds to be seen by others; for they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long. 6 They love to have the place of honor at banquets and the best seats in the synagogues, 7 and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have people call them rabbi. 8 But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all students. 9 And call no one your father on earth, for you have one Father, the one in heaven. 10 Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Messiah. 11 The greatest among you will be your servant. 12 All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted.
Devotional:
This passage is a reminder that we are called to humble servanthood.
Jesus is tough on Scribes and Pharisees, but what he is underlining is that expecting to receive honour and being treated as socially dominant is not, in sight of the Kingdom of God, important, pertinent, or relevant. It brings nothing useful to the wellbeing of the community they are supposed to serve. It is as if Jesus is saying: Do not ask what your followers can do for you, but rather ask what you can do for others.
The lesson to take from this passage is how to be a better servant. How to love God deeply and neighbour genuinely. To live the life of a servant is in the eye of God the characteristic of a real leader. There is no greater love than to give your life for a friend (Jn 15:13). Jesus gave his life in complete love, humility and service for humanity and he is our greatest leader.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, help us serve in humility to show by our actions the love of Jesus. This is how the world can see God on earth. Amen!
Andrée Pursey
NTC Librarian
Nazarene Theological College