Tuesday 25 July 2023
St James
2 Corinthians 4:7-15. Those who sow in tears, shall reap with shouts of joy – Psalm 125(126). Matthew 20:20-28.
The willingness to serve is a measure of greatness
Knowing what awaits Jesus in Jerusalem, it’s easy to nod in agreement with the words ‘You do not know what you are asking’. As a mother of sons, I’m sympathetic to James and John’s mother. She wants the best for her boys, a privileged place either side of an inspirational leader. A messiah, no less. A king. Yet how often does Jesus remind his listeners that his kingdom is not anything like they imagine? We know the cup from which Jesus will drink will be one of suffering, and that the disciples will share in this. The greatness that his followers wish for – those high-status seats to the left and right – is illusory and more closely resembles the way ‘tyrants’ rule. As we read in Matthew’s Gospel, this is clearly not the plan or the outcome for those who follow Jesus. The measure of their greatness will be in service to others. Jesus, ‘the Son of Man’ did not come to rule over others but to serve. How I am serving where the need is greatest?
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