Matthew 20-22

In Matthew 20-22 Jesus is teaching, sharing more parables, and doing more miracles.  The tension that exists between Old Testament experts of the law (chief priests, elders, and Pharisees)  and Jesus just keeps building.  They keep questioning Jesus trying to make him incriminate Himself with His words.  The experts are not successful at finding fault with our Messiah, our Lord and Savior.

Jesus attempts to explain His relationship with His Heavenly Father and define His place in the Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 20:20-28).  Only God, Our Father, has authority in Heaven.     Jesus makes it clear that He is not in charge.  God is in charge.  So even though He is Our Savior, The Messiah, Jesus is following His Father's will.  Jesus says,

²⁸ just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Matthew 20:28

If Jesus, the son of God, humbles Himself before His Father, how much more should we humble ourselves?  Jesus, God in the flesh, is here to serve, so how much more should we make it our purpose to serve?

Today, I want to spend some time thinking about being humble before God.  In what areas of my life do I need to be more humble in heart?  In what areas of my life do I need to be more of a servant?  Where do I need to give more of myself to help others?  Where do I need to shift focus to concentrate on what is important to God?  Where do I need to let go?

A prayer for today-

Dear Heavenly Father,

As I read Your word, I am so thankful for Jesus.  Thank you for Your love.  

Forgive me, Lord, for my selfishness.  Forgive me for the ways I demand my own wants instead of seeking Your will, first.  Your ways are better than my ways and Your thoughts higher than my thoughts. 

 I pray You will help me have a servant's heart like Jesus.  Help me remember Your son and see Him in every person that crosses my path today.  And even though I do not know what the day brings, I pray for all the people I will encounter today.  I pray they will know the depth of Your love, Lord, and the peace of Christ that surpasses understanding.  

Show me where, when, and how You need me to serve.

In the name of Jesus I pray,

Amen

Grace and Peace,

*This post is part of A Mind-Maker-Upper's Everyday Reading Project.  Click here to read more.