In a world that seeks the highest place,
Where power and status often race,
Jesus calls us to a different way,
To serve with love, to humbly stay.
True greatness lies not in the throne,
But in the hearts that love has sown.
In acts of kindness, small and grand,
We find the touch of Jesus’ hand.
Ambitions rise, desires for fame,
Yet Jesus redirects the flame.
To humble paths, to selfless deeds,
Where true fulfillment intercedes.
The greatest in God’s Kingdom bright,
Are those who serve with all their might.
Who put aside their own desires,
To light the world with holy fires.
Discipleship, a costly call,
To bear the cross, to give our all.
In self-denial, suffering’s face,
We find the depth of Jesus’ grace.
So let us trust in God’s own plan,
With humble hearts, let’s take a stand.
To lead with love, compassion’s art,
And put the needs of others first.
For in this path, we truly find,
A peace that fills both heart and mind.
Not seeking power, but to serve,
In Jesus’ steps, we find our nerve.
REFLECTION:
But it shall not be so among you.
Rather, whoever wishes to be great
among you shall be your servant;
whoever wishes to be first
among you shall be your slave.
(Matthew 20:26-27)
Jesus teaches that true greatness comes from serving others, not from seeking power or status. All of us have a common human desire for recognition and honor. Jesus redirects this ambition towards humility and selflessness, teaching that the greatest in the Kingdom of God are those who serve others. The cost of true discipleship involves self-denial and a willingness to endure suffering for the sake of others. Let us trust in God’s plan and timing, lead with humility and compassion, putting the needs of others before our own rather than striving for our own ambitions.
Dear Lord Jesus,
We come before You with hearts open to Your wisdom and love. You have taught us that true greatness is found in serving others, not in seeking power or status. Help us to internalize this lesson and live it out in our daily lives.
Lord, we recognize our human desire for recognition and honor. Redirect our ambitions towards humility and selflessness. Teach us to find fulfillment in serving others, knowing that the greatest in Your Kingdom are those who serve with love and compassion.
Grant us the strength to embrace the cost of true discipleship, which involves self-denial and a willingness to endure suffering for the sake of others. May we trust in Your perfect plan and timing, leading our lives with humility and compassion.
Help us to put the needs of others before our own, rather than striving for our own ambitions. Fill our hearts with Your love, so that we may reflect Your grace and mercy to those around us.
In Your holy name, we pray.
Amen.
Pericope:
VI: Ministry in Judea and Jerusalem
THE REQUEST OF JAMES AND JOHN
Matthew 20:20-28
Gospel Acclamation
I chose you from the world, to go and bear fruit that will last, says the Lord.
Gospel | Matthew 20:20-28
20 The mother of the sons of Zebedee approached Jesus with her sons and did him homage, wishing to ask him for something. 21 He said to her, “What do you wish?” She answered him, “Command that these two sons of mine sit, one at your right and the other at your left, in your Kingdom.” 22 Jesus said in reply, “You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the chalice that I am going to drink?” They said to him, “We can.” 23 He replied, “My chalice you will indeed drink, but to sit at my right and at my left, this is not mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.” 24 When the ten heard this, they became indignant at the two brothers. 25 But Jesus summoned them and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and the great ones make their authority over them felt. 26 But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; 27 whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave. 28 Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Background
Matthew 20:20-28 is a passage that highlights the concept of servant leadership and the true nature of greatness in the Kingdom of God. Here’s a brief background and key lessons from this passage:
Context: This passage occurs as Jesus is making His way to Jerusalem, where He will eventually be crucified. It follows the parable of the workers in the vineyard, which emphasizes God’s grace and the reversal of human expectations about reward and status.
Request by the Mother of James and John: The mother of James and John (the sons of Zebedee) approaches Jesus with a request for her sons to sit at His right and left in His kingdom. This request reflects a misunderstanding of the nature of Jesus’ kingdom, thinking it would be a political or earthly reign.
Jesus’ Response: Jesus asks James and John if they can drink the cup He is about to drink, referring to His impending suffering and death. They confidently say they can, but Jesus tells them that the positions they seek are not His to grant; they are prepared by the Father.
Key Lessons
Servant Leadership: Jesus contrasts the worldly view of leadership, where rulers lord over others, with the Kingdom view, where greatness is found in serving others. He states, "whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be your slave".
Example of Jesus: Jesus Himself is the ultimate example of this servant leadership. He came “not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28). This underscores the sacrificial nature of true leadership and greatness in God’s eyes.
Humility and Selflessness: The passage challenges believers to examine their motives and ambitions, encouraging a shift from self-centered desires to a focus on serving others and following Jesus’ example of humility and selflessness.
Learning Lessons:
Matthew 20:20-28 offers profound lessons that can deeply impact our spiritual journey.
1. True Greatness in Service. Servant Leadership: Jesus teaches that true greatness comes from serving others, not from seeking power or status. This is a call to lead with humility and compassion, putting the needs of others before our own. Example of Jesus: Jesus Himself exemplifies this by stating that He came “not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28). His life and sacrifice are the ultimate models of servant leadership.
2. Humility and Selflessness. Humility: The request by the mother of James and John reflects a common human desire for recognition and honor. Jesus redirects this ambition towards humility and selflessness, teaching that the greatest in the Kingdom of God are those who serve others. Selflessness: By asking if James and John can drink the cup He is about to drink, Jesus highlights the cost of true discipleship. It involves self-denial and a willingness to endure suffering for the sake of others.
3. God’s Sovereignty. Divine Appointment: Jesus emphasizes that positions of honor in His Kingdom are determined by God the Father. This reminds us to trust in God’s plan and timing, rather than striving for our own ambitions.
4. Community and Unity. Unity Among Believers: The reaction of the other disciples to the request of James and John shows the potential for division and jealousy. Jesus’ teaching on servant leadership promotes unity and mutual respect within the community of believers.
Reflection Source:
Conversation with Copilot