ESOCS Devotional 3 March 2022
TEXT: LUKE 9:43-50
MEMORY VERSE: “Then there arose a reasoning among them, which of them should be greatest.” Luke 9:46 KJV
0 And the apostles, when they had returned, told Him all that they had done. Then He took them and went aside privately into a deserted place belonging to the city called Bethsaida. 11 But when the multitudes knew it, they followed Him; and He received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who had need of healing. 12 When the day began to wear away, the twelve came and said to Him, “Send the multitude away, that they may go into the surrounding towns and country, and lodge and get provisions; for we are in a deserted lace ”
In this passage, the disciples of Jesus Christ ignored His words about His death and resurrection or did not understand it; but had their minds focused on earthly kingdoms and positions, and began to argue about who would be greatest. They maintained this earthly rivalry till the evening of the last Passover meal He had with them (Luke 22:24).
Jesus has the required undisputable standard for anybody who wants to be the greatest among others. He presented before them a child. Why? Children by nature present the best example of the required attitude for servant leaders. They exhibit humility, honesty, innocence, trust, simplicity, service and dependence. Another measure of greatness is the degree of care we give to others, especially the helpless, those in a particular circumstance who need our help to get over it (within the neighborhood, work place, market, along the road, church, society at large, etc.).
The above leaves us with great lessons. In our churches today, we have those who want to assume the position of greatness (leadership) by all means; yet the lack the above Jesus’ standards. The same is true of some of those who are already there. Among the ruling class (politicians, traditional rulers, etc.), the same is true. Those in charge of the education sector, work place, etc., are not saints either. This is one of the reasons, especially in Africa, we are not moving forward. This is a clarion call for Church Leaders to appraise the quality of their Leaders and their would- be- leaders. Exhibiting Jesus standard of leadership is in itself a way of evangelism. We are all involved.
- What is your measure of (your) greatness? Make a check list.
- Pray to God to open your eyes to see who you are.
Read Other ESOCS Devotional here
FURTHER READING: Mark 9:33-37; 10:35-45; Luke 22:24-27
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ESOCS Devotional 3 March 2022
