Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 Veteran's Day

  St. Matthew 20:20-28
 

Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—  just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” VV.26-28

In this passage, the mother of James and John approaches Jesus, asking him to grant her sons positions of honor in his kingdom—one at his right hand and the other at his left. Jesus responds by emphasizing the servant nature of his kingdom, stating that positions of honor are not his to grant but are prepared by the Father. He further explains that greatness in his kingdom is demonstrated through servanthood, not through seeking positions of power.
 
This passage challenges us to reflect on our understanding of leadership and greatness. In a world that often values authority and prestige, Jesus flips the script, highlighting humility and service. He calls us to a radical transformation of perspective—a shift from aspiring to be served to aspiring to serve.
 
Jesus, the ultimate example of humility, reinforces this lesson by declaring that even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many. His life exemplifies the sacrificial love that defines genuine service. As followers of Christ, we are called to imitate his humility, embracing a servant's heart in our interactions with others.
 
In our daily lives, we encounter numerous opportunities to serve—whether through acts of kindness, generosity, or simply putting others before ourselves. True greatness, according to Jesus, lies in our willingness to serve others selflessly. As we navigate the challenges of life, let us remember that our actions, no matter how small, can reflect the love and humility of Christ.
 
In conclusion, Christ invites us to rethink our understanding of greatness and leadership. Jesus challenges us to adopt a servant's heart, emphasizing that true greatness is found in serving others. May we be inspired by Christ's example and strive to live out the call to humility and service in our daily lives.
 


Prayer
Lord, grant us the grace to embrace humility and selfless service, following your example, as we seek to reflect your love in our interactions with others. Amen


Leena Chacko
Chicago Mar Thoma Church, IL

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