IT'S ALL ABOUT ME
- Key Verse
Then they began to argue among themselves about who would be the greatest among them. (Luke 22:24, NLT)
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Central Truth
It is our weak, human nature to desire to be known, to be the winner, to be recognized. Jesus taught his disciples to serve one another instead of trying to elevate themselves above others.
Reflections
As a child, I remember my younger brother and I asking our parents whose drawing was the best, or who was faster. We were looking for approval, but our sin nature was also looking to elevate ourselves over each other. In business, politics, and professional sports we witness the same nature take hold and these men and women strive to put others down while lifting themselves up. How much more could these leaders accomplish if they would heed Jesus' words in Luke 22:26(NLT):"Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant."?
Jesus also provided a shining example of true servant-hood throughout his entire life. He shocked His disciples during the course of the Last Supper, when He lowered Himself to wash the feet of His disciples. In John 13:12-16 (NLT) Jesus explains the lesson to His disciples. “After washing their feet, he put on his robe again and sat down and asked, “Do you understand what I was doing? You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because that’s what I am. And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. I tell you the truth, slaves are not greater than their master. Nor is the messenger more important than the one who sends the message.”
We should all live our lives with a true servant’s heart. Husbands are to be the leaders of their households, but to be a true leader we need to serve our families. That is not to say that we should be slaves to our families and defer all responsibility to our wives. Rather we should be looking to serve our wives and children. We should serve our families, our friends, our bosses and coworkers as Jesus served his disciples.
Discussion Questions
1. Have you selfishly tried to elevate yourself above someone else?
2. Who can you serve today as Jesus served his disciples?
3. How can you serve others in church?
Ella Johnson
April 2, 2010 08:28 AM
Great Word, for today.
Dorothy Beebe
April 2, 2010 09:04 AM
Hi Troy! Thank you for sharing this scripture about Jesus washing the disciples' feet. Also, I loved hearing about your wife Janie and your 3 kids. What an adventure Jesus gives us when he gives us family! 1. Yes I have tried to elevate myself above another to feel secure and loved. The more we know Jesus, the less and less we have to go to anyone else besides Him to receive the blessing of significance and security. Praise God, He has it all provided for us. 2. Who can I serve as Jesus served His disciples? His disciples were the ones closest to Him. They were His family. He was always telling them about the father and the Fathers love. He showed them the Father's love by meeting their needs, rebuking them as needed, and being an example in the the way He did everything. He was faithful to be available to them for any and every question. He would have them wait for a more appropriate moment (after the crowd left) for questions sometimes, but he was faithful to get back to them. These are all ways that I can serve my family today. 3. I can serve others at church by first being full of the Spirit of Jesus and then getting His direction on where I am needed most. Then I can just do what is before me to do. Prayer is always appropreiate, and money is always needed, and then giving of my time and talents are excellent too. God bless you bro for sharing your thoughts today. Please pray that we will all do the works God has for us today. Bye for now, dorothy beebe