Daily Devotional: Matthew 20

“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)

The mother of James and John asked for seats of honor. Jesus called them and turned the world’s ladder upside down: in his kingdom, greatness is measured by who you serve. The world counts followers; Jesus counts towels. He gave his life, the Master who washed feet and the King who carried a cross and wore a crown of thorns. Service is greatness itself. Today it is an unnoticed kindness, an unwanted task, a person nobody sees. Take the low place. It is where Jesus is.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, free me from the hunger to be noticed. Teach me to serve as you served, until serving is simply who I am. Amen.

Next step

Is your church ready for God’s mission?

Take the free Missional Church Assessment — 40 questions, about 20 minutes.