The Greatest Among You
Will Be Your Servant.
Then Jesus said to the crowds and to
his disciples, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat, therefore, do
whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do
not practice what they teach. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay
them on the shoulders of others; but they themselves are unwilling to lift a
finger to move them. They do all their deeds to be seen by others; for they
make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long. They love to have the
place of honor at banquets and the best seats in the synagogues, and to be
greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have people call them rabbi.
But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all
students. And call no one your father on earth, for you have one Father – the
one in heaven. Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one
instructor, the Messiah. The greatest among you will be your servant. All who
exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be
exalted.
Focusing on outward appearances can be
a pleasing way to decorate a house, but it is a dangerous way to live. Jesus
reprimanded many religious leaders of His day because they did not practice
what they preached. They were addicted to receiving praise and feeling
self-important. Instead of opening the kingdom of heaven to all people, they
shut the door in their faces.
The Lord calls us to be people of
inner substance, not just outward appearance. We are to demonstrate the reality
of His presence in us by an attitude of humility.
In living for Jesus, our content is
far more important than our cover. We are here for more than show.
If God
controls you on the inside,
you will be genuine on the outside.
Our Daily
Bread – May 14, 2007