November 22nd, 2023
Let’s read the Gospel Luke, chapter 22.
ZOOM INTO vs. 24, “Then a dispute also arose among them about who should be considered the greatest.”
Imagine the sad scene of ‘disputing disciples.’ Try to feel the Master’s sense of disappointment and sadness that these whom He has poured His life into are—at His most needful time—distracted into conflict.
Focus next on vs. 27 as Jesus tells His disputing disciples,
“I am among you as one who serves”.
In contrast to the disciples’ focus on fighting for “greatness,” Christ now lives before them the secret to true greatness and to harmony in relationships. He girds himself with a towel and begins to wash their feet (John 13). We should note that the disciples had missed the opportunity to serve the Master in this way, and we soon find them in dispute.
Could it be that we could be guarded from the distraction of dispute by a servant’s heart? Christ’s work and example speak loudly to such a truth. A servant’s heart keeps us focused on the needs of others, while the distraction of dispute begins to shift in focus to oneself. “The greatest among you shall be the servant of all” (Matthew 23:11).
Join Jesus in serving the needs of others. Don’t be distracted by an argument or disagreements but look for an opportunity to serve. Instead of REACTING with words, RELATE deeply with love.
ZOOM INTO vs. 24, “Then a dispute also arose among them about who should be considered the greatest.”
Imagine the sad scene of ‘disputing disciples.’ Try to feel the Master’s sense of disappointment and sadness that these whom He has poured His life into are—at His most needful time—distracted into conflict.
Focus next on vs. 27 as Jesus tells His disputing disciples,
“I am among you as one who serves”.
In contrast to the disciples’ focus on fighting for “greatness,” Christ now lives before them the secret to true greatness and to harmony in relationships. He girds himself with a towel and begins to wash their feet (John 13). We should note that the disciples had missed the opportunity to serve the Master in this way, and we soon find them in dispute.
Could it be that we could be guarded from the distraction of dispute by a servant’s heart? Christ’s work and example speak loudly to such a truth. A servant’s heart keeps us focused on the needs of others, while the distraction of dispute begins to shift in focus to oneself. “The greatest among you shall be the servant of all” (Matthew 23:11).
Join Jesus in serving the needs of others. Don’t be distracted by an argument or disagreements but look for an opportunity to serve. Instead of REACTING with words, RELATE deeply with love.
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