Matthew 20:17-19
Reflect
In today’s passage we see Jesus’ disciples struggling to grasp the true intent of the kingdom that He is unveiling. Jesus just finished explaining what He is about to endure, and the mother of James and John comes seeking positions of “honour” in Jesus’ kingdom. Jesus explains to James, John, and their mother that they don’t know what they are asking for. The other 10 disciples’ anger at the request displays that they also don’t grasp what this appeal really means.
Jesus takes the time to explain that in God’s kingdom, greatness is not a position of power through which one is served. Instead, it is a position with power through which one serves. Jesus lays out again at the end of this passage that He has come to surrender His life out of love for those for whom He is King.
How often the disciples hear Jesus explain His purpose might cause us to shake our heads and wonder why they are not getting the message. And yet so often I catch myself acting in ways that are similar to the disciples in their desire for “advancement”.
I pray that we all would be more like Jesus in our desire to serve those around us.
Pastor Mike
Pray
- Pray for our Senior Lead Team Pastor, Lyle Buyer, his ministry, and family.
- Pray for our Church Board members: Beth Cheung, Gerhard Hiob, Hal Reirson, JD Kliewer, Mary Jetha, Mike Ross, Randy Voss, Seth Jansen, Trevor Toews, Uwem Okome.
- Pray for our Custodians, Adit Gamble, Stan Goodnough and Anne King; Facilities Manager, Joe Richards.
- Pray for our office staff: Vicky Bailey, Naomi Voss; bookkeeper Liudmyla Lushchyk.