Don’t Focus On Yourself
Luke 22:24-27
24 A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to
be greatest.
Only a few days after Palm Sunday, these disciples who have been
following Jesus, watching Him heal and teach so many, were oblivious to
what was truly important during their last meal together. They were so
focused on themselves and their own importance that were arguing with
each other over who was the greatest. It wasn’t the food that left a bad
taste that night.
Not a lot has changed in the last two thousand years. We are still divided
and self-focused. We still promote ourselves instead of lifting others up and
treating our neighbors as we would want to be treated. As the new media
continues to occupy more of people’s time and focus, we see men, women
and children losing control and spuing hate, much like some explode with
road rage in their cars. People are so wanting to be seen as important, they
are willing to destroy those around them who look at life differently. How did
Jesus respond to the disciples who missed the mark?
25 Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and
those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. 26 But
you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like
the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. 27 For who is
greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one
who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.
Jesus said, don’t be like the world. Don’t treat people differently according
to how much they can help your own situation. Leadership is servanthood!
Don’t promote yourself, allow the Lord to lift you up in His timing and in His
way. Our hope isn’t in what we can gain in this life, our hope is in how
Christ will bless us for eternity so we can focus on blessing others.
Is the Holy Spirit leading you to repent for putting yourself first in any
specific relationship?
What is the Holy Spirit saying to you through these scriptures?
