Day Seven: The Bottom Line Philippians 2:5-11; John 13:1-11 God’s response to the apostacy of Lucifer, and the temptation and fall of the human race, was to join together in forming the “counsel of peace” (Zechariah 6:13). The Godhead decided to send the Son to earth, to be born of a woman, born under the law, into sinful flesh, clothing His
Day Six: The Charter of Servant Leaders Matthew 20:17-28 Jesus’ last foretelling of His death occurred several months later, after a flurry of activity including the feast at Jerusalem, raising Lazarus from the dead, and meeting the rich young ruler. The hatred of the chief priests and Pharisees had waxed hotter with each healing and teachin
Day Five: The Little People Matthew 18:36-50 While the disciples puzzled over Jesus’ statement that anyone wanting to be first would be last, the Bible says Jesus “took a child” and “set him in the midst of them” (vs 36). I imagine that little children flocked to Jesus in the way dogs and cats gravitate towards a kind master. The text seems to imp
Day Four: The Gadal Factor Mark 9:35-37 When the disciples couldn’t bring themselves to answer Jesus’ “What were you talking about?” question, He sat them down for a chat. “If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all” (vs. 35) He said. Wait. Did He just say that? Desiring to be first automatically places
Day Three: Power Matters Matthew 17:22& 23, 27; Mark 9:31& 32; Daniel To add to the brilliance of Jesus’ dealings with Peter, the miracle He worked for His divinity-slighting disciple, affirmed His divinity. Imagine Peter, as excited as a little boy, running to the shore, fishing pole in hand. Not only is he about to witness a miracle, but
Day Two: God Forgives, We Hold Grudges Matthew 17:24-27 Soon after entering Capernaum, the collector of the temple revenue came to Peter, asking, “Does your teacher not pay the temple tax?” And Peter, ever ready to assert himself, answered that yes, Jesus did pay the tax (Matthew 17:24). This tax was not a civil tax, but a religious contribution wh
What Is Servant Leadership? This chapter tells a story found in three of the gospels.[i] The story unfolds as Jesus and the disciples are traveling through Galilee toward Capernaum, where He takes a reprieve from public ministry to personally instruct the twelve. He tackles issues involving the nature of His kingdom, but in a roundabout way that fi
