Today’s reading is Luke 21:1-22:71.

Luke 22:24-27 smacked me between the eyes again. I’m glad I’m reading this passage twice a year right now. Of course, there are also the parallels found in Matthew and Mark. I need to read this often.

“The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But no so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves. For who is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the one who serves.”

Being a Christian isn’t about progressing up the ranks of authority. Being a Christian is about becoming more and more of a servant. After all the second greatest commandment is to love my neighbor as myself.

I have to remember this because all too often, I want to be the master, not the servant. I want to be the lord who gets to exercise authority. I want to be the one who speaks and people listen. I want to be the one people look up to as the leader. I don’t want to be a servant. I don’t want to listen to others or be directed by others. I want to command my days. I don’t want them determined by the needs of others.

But Jesus was a servant. His entire life was about serving. It was not merely this moment of serving around the Passover table. He was serving because He was on His way to the cross to die for me. If God’s Son would do that for me, how much more should I do that for others?

I need to remember this at home. I need to remember this in my congregation. I need to remember this in my community. God hasn’t placed everyone else here to serve me. He is raising me up to be a servant.

God, make me a servant, just like your Son.

Keep the faith and keep reading,

ELC

P.S. What struck you in today’s reading?