One Who Serves

A dispute also arose among them as to which one of them was to be regarded as the greatest. But he said to them, ‘The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you; rather the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one at the table? But I am among you as one who serves. ‘You are those who have stood by me in my trials; and I confer on you, just as my Father has conferred on me, a kingdom, so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. Luke 22:24-30

We Americans love British TV and Victorian dramas with households full of servants. We relate to the grand family, even though most of us would be servants, others would have been slaves. We forget the pain of our own history in this country. Indentured servitude and slavery fueled our economy for many generations. How many powerful people sat in church and heard these words? Did they really swap their power for servanthood? Well, we have the opportunity in this generation to remove ourselves from the seats of power to kneeling and washing feet, as Jesus did. Are we willing?

Gracious Lord, Incarnate as servant

we have been healed by your touch

we have been made God's children

and you have called us to serve with you.

We are rebellious and angry children

thinking we have been denied honor

we struggle and grapple for power

and we forget to hear your words.

Help us to let go of our need for honor

and instead honor those in great need

let us share the bounty you have given

so that we might eat at your holy table. Amen.