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Here is a mom setting things up for her boys. I wonder what happened before this. Did the brothers ask her to do it? Did she take matters into her own hands? They must have felt they were doing pretty well as disciples to make such a request. Jesus gently instructs them. He does not embarrass them, but simply tells them the answer. His reply is not quite what they were hoping for. This seems to be the way of Jesus. The mother’s request causes some grumbling among the disciples. They probably were mad that the brothers got to him first. Nothing like a momma looking out for her boys! I love the paradox that is Jesus. He is both: king and servant, lion and the lamb, merciful and just. It strikes my heart every time to think of him as a servant. That he, as a king, came with a mission to serve. He, giving everything on our behalf, even his life. In our world today we give honor to the talented, beautiful, smart, or strong. Jesus on the other hand gives honor to humility. It is against our very nature to let others go first. We want the attention, the ease, the clamor. What we need is to know God’s love for us and others. So Jesus gives us a lesson on how to be great. Serve. Don’t sit back and be served, but rather get up and serve. Too often our first thought is, “What’s in this for me?” Maybe that isn’t our first initial thought, but it is an underlying one. Sean and I went out to dinner the other night, and what impressed me more than the food was the service. After our meal the server offered to watch my leftovers, while I used the restroom. She made a point to open the door for us as we were leaving, and she had a joyful smile that was contagious. She could’ve easily stood behind her cash register and said goodnight, but she took extra effort to accommodate us. It seems like a small thing, but it made us want to return to a place that has such kind employees. Who is God placing in your path today? What seat can you give up? What encouraging word can you share? What phone call can be made? Who needs a coat, shoes, or food? As I write this I can visualize Jesus picking up the towel and taking the most humble of positions as foot washer. The strong and gentle King wipes those sweaty, dirty feet of fickle people and shows us how to live. |
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(c) 2009 the fountainChurch |
Mommas
Boys
