
God-Breathed Living:
Day 85: Loving God, Loving Others
Today’s Reading:
Matthew 23–24, Psalm 76, Proverbs 26
Today’s Scripture: Matthew 23:11-12 (NLT)
“The greatest among you must be a servant. But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Devotional:
One of my favorite reminders of what leadership truly looks like came when I observed a well-respected leader picking up trash around a church parking lot before Sunday service. This person wasn’t concerned about appearance, title, or reputation. They simply saw a need and served. That image stuck with me because it embodied exactly what Jesus taught in Matthew 23: humility and service.
In today’s passage, Jesus sharply criticizes religious leaders who valued appearances over authenticity, titles over humility, and status over genuine service. They knew the Scriptures but missed the heart of God’s message: to love God wholeheartedly and to love others selflessly. Lent invites us to reflect deeply on our attitudes, actions, and motives, aligning our hearts more closely with Jesus’ example.
True greatness, according to Jesus, isn’t measured by how many people serve us, but by how willingly we serve others. It’s not found in prideful titles or positions of authority. It’s discovered in acts of humility, kindness, and genuine care. Jesus not only taught this truth—He lived it out to the very end, humbling Himself even to death on a cross.
Let this season of Lent challenge us to adopt a posture of humility, choosing daily to serve, to give generously, and to love deeply, just as Jesus modeled for us.
Reflection Questions:
- In what ways have you prioritized appearances or status over genuine service?
- How can you intentionally practice humility and servant leadership this week?
Prayer:
Lord, forgive me for the times I’ve valued appearance or recognition over serving others genuinely. Teach me true humility. Help me embrace a servant’s heart, seeking opportunities to quietly meet needs and show Your love. Transform my desires and priorities, so that I might reflect Your humility and grace in every area of my life. In Jesus’ holy and matchless name, Amen.
Digging Deeper:
Matthew 23 reveals Jesus’ bold confrontation with religious hypocrisy. In a culture where religious leaders held significant power, Jesus courageously called out behaviors that prioritized rules over relationships and tradition over compassion. His rebuke wasn’t against the law itself but against hearts disconnected from its purpose: love for God and others.
Psalm 76 reminds us of God’s majesty and His righteous judgment. It echoes the truth that pride and arrogance have no place before a holy God. Proverbs 26 further emphasizes the foolishness of pride and self-exaltation, illustrating the wisdom of humility in all areas of life.
Together, these passages urge us to live authentic lives marked by humility, integrity, and genuine love.