TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL PASSAGE
A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves. You are those who have stood by me in my trials. And I confer on you a kingdom, just as my Father conferred one on me, so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
Luke 22:24–30
DEVOTIONAL
by Stephanie Reloj
Ignaz Semmelweis, a 19th-century Hungarian physician, discovered that handwashing drastically reduced mortality rates in childbirth, yet his colleagues dismissed and ridiculed him. They were entrenched in their ways, unable to see the truth before them. Semmelweis’ discovery eventually revolutionized medical practices, but only after much resistance and misunderstanding.
Despite Jesus’ repeated warnings about His suffering and death, the disciples were still fixated on the idea of an earthly kingdom. The disciples’ lack of understanding is evident. They had seen the crowds hail Jesus as the “King of Israel” (John 12:13) and expected Him to overthrow the Roman oppressors. Even as Jesus spoke of being “lifted up” (John 12:32), they failed to grasp that He meant His crucifixion. They envisioned a victorious Messiah, not a suffering Savior.
This misunderstanding came to a head when Peter boasted, “Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away” (Matthew 26:33). Peter’s confidence was misplaced. He was ready to fight an earthly battle, not realizing that Jesus’ mission was to conquer sin and death. Jesus, knowing the road ahead, predicted Peter’s denial, which Peter vehemently denied, saying, “Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you!” (Matthew 26:35). The other disciples echoed Peter’s sentiment, still unaware of the true nature of Jesus’ mission.
REFLECTION
The disciples’ preoccupation with status and earthly power serves as a reminder of how easily we can miss God’s true purpose in our lives. Jesus came not to establish an earthly kingdom but to offer Himself as a sacrifice for our sins, winning the ultimate victory over sin and death. Are we, like the disciples, sometimes so focused on our own plans and desires that we miss the profound work Jesus is doing in our lives?
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, help us to understand and embrace Your true mission. When we are tempted to focus on earthly success and status, remind us of Your sacrificial love and the eternal victory You won for us on the cross. Give us the humility to follow Your example and the wisdom to see Your greater purpose in our lives, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
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