Advent Devotional Template

Created for Relationship with God, all people everywhere
and creation itself
Called to Equip people to Serve by Growing Disciples of Jesus Christ

Devotion for March 11 by Shelly Saunders

Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave – 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 20:25-28

These words of Jesus are so radically counter-cultural that we can hardly imagine that they might be true. The path to greatness is service? The road to Numero Uno is to become as a slave? Imagine that a corrupt leader suddenly changed, and overnight he called off the guerilla fighters, released the stockpiles of grain, gave back all the property he had stolen, and then continued to serve his people as the best leader he could be. It would be the stuff of legend. People would write songs and poetry, name their babies after him. The entire universe cries out for justice and balance, even as our culture and the sin that we cannot escape lead us forcefully in the direction of grab and hold. How can you serve by letting go?

Precious Lord, we come to you this Lent a people of plenty in a land of plenty. Help us to remember that the gifts we have received are meant to be shared. Help us to learn to serve.