Wednesday 16 April 2008
- Bible Book:
- Matthew
"Whoever wishes to be first among you must be your slave; just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many." (v. 27-28)
Background
In today's passage, Jesus predicts for the third time that hewill be mocked, flogged and put to death and that he will be raisedto life on the third day. This is a reminder to us, in this Easterseason, of his suffering before his resurrection.
Jesus speaks while he and his disciples are "on the way" toJerusalem. Many people see Matthew's Gospel as particularlyreferring to the early Church and a term used for the ChristianChurch was 'The Way'. We also talk about the 'Way of the Cross'meaning the Passion of Jesus (his suffering, crucifixion anddeath).
In this Gospel about the Church then, we next read of an argumentas to who will be greatest among the followers of Jesus! Thequestion is asked by the mother of the disciples James and John(the "sons of Zebedee"). Maybe it reflects some of the jockeyingfor position which could have been happening in the early Church,even as Matthew was writing his Gospel.
Jesus' response is quite clear. Any position within God's schemewill involve suffering and service to others, and it will be Godwho grants any status to those called.
To Ponder
How does this make you feel about the battles forpower and status in the world today?
What about those who seem to strive forparticular positions in the Church?
Who, for you, are the really great - in society,and in God's Church?
Are you content that God appoints us to "ourplace and work"? (