Sunday’s Reflection: What would it look like for us to follow Jesus’ command to be a servant to others today? Here we have another surprising answer from God. James and John ask Jesus how to become the greatest, and Jesus says that to become great you must be a servant to others, and to be the first, you have to be a slave to all. ⁴³But it is not so among you; but whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, ⁴⁴and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all. ⁴⁵For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.’ Matthew 10. 

When the scriptures tell us that we should be servants to others, there is an underlying message that we should carefully reflect on the instruction of Jesus. Part of the work of a Christian is to serve as Jesus served us all and has restored our likeness in God. How does this contradict what you might think about how to become great? God chose to enter the world as one of God’s very own creations, a human being. And in God’s human state, God suffered all the hurt and pain that humans face each day. God suffered ultimate betrayal and utter desolation. Sometimes it is impossible to find good news when we are lost in a sea of pain and confusion. How can we better serve not only one another, but also the other beautiful creatures God has made?

Prayer: Almighty and everlasting God, in Christ you have revealed your glory among the nations: Preserve the works of your mercy, that your Church throughout the world may persevere with steadfast faith in the confession of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.