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Today’s reading is Matthew 23:1-24:51.

Just right out of the starting gate, today’s reading smacked me with an open can of humility.

Speaking of the Pharisees, Jesus said, “They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long, and they love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces and being called rabbi by others. But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers. And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ. The greatest among you shall be your servant” (Matthew 23:5-11).

Certainly, we go to other passages to learn that there are roles within Christ’s body. Ephesians 4:11 says God gave some to be apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds and teachers. There is nothing wrong with calling someone who is a teacher a teacher or who is an evangelist an evangelist. Jesus’ point was not so much about titles as it was about attitudes. 

Sadly, those of us who are evangelists, teachers, pastors or some other role can very easily jump into arrogance. We can look forward to someone introducing us, “Oh, you just have to meet my preacher.” “This is so and so, he’s one of the shepherds in our congregation.” “This is sister such and such, she’s one of our top Bible class teachers.” 

Sure, we have roles to fill within the congregation. We all have roles. But not one role is above another. There is no role that makes us higher or more important than anyone. The highest rank in Christianity is servant. 

The question for me today is not how great of a preacher I am. Rather, it is how can I serve someone today?

Keep the faith and keep reading,

ELC

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

P.P.S. Just a reminder: I’m sorry about being sporadic. However, my family and I are in countdown mode. In 6 weeks, we will be moving to Brownsburg, Indiana. Right now I’m covered up with working on our house and trying to get everything in order to move. That is significantly impacting my writing and internet time. Please be patient with me and keep praying for us.

For a long time, John 13:1-20 has had a special place in my heart. I even preached a sermon about it.

However, there is one point in this story that always blows me away. This text doesn’t say that Jesus washed the good disciples’ feet. He washed all their feet. When he got to Judas, He didn’t skip those feet. He knelt before Judas and washed the dirt and grime off his feet and then wiped them dry with his towel. 

Then in John 13:18, Jesus said, “But the Scripture will be fulfilled, ‘He who ate my bread has lifted his heal against me.’” Jesus knew what Judas was going to do. However, He washed the heel that would be lifted against Him. I am blown away and humbled. 

I have a hard time serving my wife and kids whom I have verbally stated I will serve, especially when I feel like they haven’t been treating me the way they should. Jesus, however, served with love even the one who was about to betray Him into torment and agonizing death. I have a lot of growing to do. How about you?

What did you get out of today’s reading?

Keep the faith and keep reading,

ELC