Devotion:
Read Luke 22:7-34.
We are nearing the end of our Lenten journey to Easter, just as Jesus had finally come to the end of his journey to Jerusalem to face the events of his final week. During this week in our devotional readings, we will read and reflect on the events of that week, as reflected in Luke’s gospel. Today’s passage tells us of “the Last Supper,” the final Passover meal that Jesus would share with his apostles. During that meal, he instituted the sacrament of Holy Communion, only to see and hear a dispute break out among the Twelve as to who among them was the greatest.
We can only imagine Jesus’ disappointment with that misguided dispute, as the persons he had personally picked to carry on his work argued with one another about greatness as a coveted mark of importance and power. But he used that argument to calmly teach them and us that greatness comes with humble service. Jesus likely did not just happen to single out Simon Peter but instead intentionally picked him in order to begin to prepare him for his greatest lesson in humility by predicting that Peter would deny him. Peter indeed would become their leader, but that would only come after his denial, gut-wrenching humility, and being forgiven by the Risen Christ.
Personal Worship Option:
Reflect on how you define greatness in this life. Is it in wealth, power, fame, or popularity? That is not what Jesus taught, even in his final days. Pray today for the kind of greatness that comes with quiet, humble service.
No comments:
Post a Comment