May 21, 2024 - Matthew 20:25-28

“But Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:25-28 NLT

Lord, it is amazing how different your kingdom works from the ways of our world. How have we gotten everything so twisted? Please help us realign our thoughts so that they line up with your ways. Rewire our brains so that we think and act in a way that brings you glory. Jesus, teach us how to lead like you lead. What a shining example you were to us. You truly came to serve humans. If there was ever a human that deserved to be served and not serve, it would have been you, the God Almighty. Yet, you didn’t come and demand respect. You didn’t command everyone to bow before you or serve you. You did just the opposite. You didn’t try and stand out or build up a huge reputation. You just wanted to love people. Even when you corrected people, it was done in such a loving and humble way. You literally gave your life so that we could be set free. It was the ultimate act of love and service to us.

Lord, make us more like you. Help us live in a humble and loving way. Help us never see ourselves as better than anyone else. Our circumstances might make us look different than other people, but you created each one of us. You love and value each of us the same. Open our eyes to not see the people our society treats as outcasts in that manner. Teach us how to honor, respect, and serve them like you do. This is how we will bring glory to your name. You are worthy, our glorious God!

In Jesus name, amen.