 Do you want to be the best on your team? the best in your class? the first in line? We learn competition and striving to be the best from teachers, coaches and parents. What does Jesus say? The answer is in Matthew 20:20-28.
Mrs. Zebedee, James and John's mom, came to Jesus and asked if her sons could sit on the right and left of Jesus in His kingdom. She was in for a surprise, and her sons were too. Jesus said, "You know that leaders and rulers like to exercise their power over people. It must not be that way among you. Whoever wants to be great, must be your servant." What? A servant? That's right. Jesus said, "The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life--a ransom for many." Think About It Jesus was humble and gentle instead of proud and arrogant. I am glad He came to ransom our souls from hell, to save us from our tendency to sin and live for ourselves instead of Him. I am thankful He died for our sin so we wouldn't have to and so we can spend eternity with Him. Pray About It Holy God, thank you for your marvelous plan to redeem us from sin, Satan and death. Teach us your ways and empower us to carry out your will. Help us to be like Jesus. Amen.
0 Comments
 A young man who did good all his life and kept the commandments came to Jesus and asked Him what good thing he had to do to gain eternal life.
Jesus said, "Keep the commandments." "Which ones?" asked the young man. "Do not murder; do not commit adultery; do not steal; do not bear false witness; honor your father and your mother; and love your neighbor as yourself," Jesus said. "I have kept all these," the young man responded. "If you want to be perfect," Jesus said, "go, sell all your possessions and give to the poor. You will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me," said Jesus. The young man walked away sad because he had lots of money and stuff (Matthew 19:16-22). Think About It The rich young man was good and had a sincere heart, but he knew something was still missing. That's why he came to Jesus. He had depended on his wealth but it deceived him and left him hungering for more. 1 Timothy 6:17 says, "Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment." It is not a sin to be rich, but if we have wealth, God wants us to share generously and to trust Him and not our money. If we put our hope in money, we will be like the young man who came to Jesus, empty in our hearts and looking for satisfaction in things and not God. Pray About It Lord Jesus, it is so easy for us to trust in things we can see and touch. Help us to find hope in You alone. Keep us from letting money or things rob us of the joy of knowing You and being with You forever. Amen. |
Author
|
