Greatest Will Be Servant

Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat; therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they teach. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on the shoulders of others; but they themselves are unwilling to lift a finger to move them. They do all their deeds to be seen by others; for they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long. They love to have the place of honor at banquets and the best seats in the synagogues, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have people call them rabbi. But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all students. And call no one your father on earth, for you have one Father—the one in heaven. Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Messiah. The greatest among you will be your servant. All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted.” Matthew 23:1-12 

Servant

Someone brought you breakfast today
handed you a steaming cup of coffee
cleaned up the mess you left behind
and smiled at your self-absorbed silence.

They open the door without asking
they gave you the best seat and made room
they took away the refuse and the empties
you didn't even bother to ask their name.

Your image of yourself you capture
in the multitude of selfies and shared snapped
is manipulated to make you look your best
while another comes and brings your food.

Those detained, separated and refused
have mothers and brothers serving you now
they lovingly offer the best they can do
so that others may thrive and follow soon.

If you would like to be counted as leader
put down the cameras and the mirrors
find another who needs to be fed and freed
and you will find all the joy you need today.