Have you ever felt the urge to be recognized or admired, only to find that true greatness actually lies in serving others?
Today’s daily devotion is based on Matthew 20:20-28.
In today’s daily devotion, we will look into the story of Mrs. Alvarez and her two sons.
Devotion Story
In a bustling city, there was a popular bakery known for its delicious pastries. The owner, Mrs. Alvarez, was loved by many for her warm heart and exceptional baking skills. Her two sons, Carlos and Javier, often helped in the shop and dreamed of taking over the business one day.
One afternoon, Mrs. Alvarez announced that she would be stepping back from daily operations and that one of her sons would take over the bakery. Carlos and Javier immediately began to vie for the position, each believing he deserved it more. They presented their mother with grand plans and ideas for the future of the bakery, each eager to prove they were the better choice.
However, Mrs. Alvarez made a surprising decision. She told her sons that the person who would take over the bakery was the one who best understood what it meant to serve others. To help them understand, she assigned them each a task: Carlos was to assist a local soup kitchen, and Javier was to volunteer at a shelter for the homeless.
Initially, the brothers felt that these tasks were beneath them, but as they spent time serving meals and talking to the people they helped, they began to see their mother’s wisdom. They saw the joy and gratitude in the eyes of those they served and realized that true leadership and greatness came not from being in charge but from serving others with humility and compassion.
Lesson from the Daily Devotion
This story reflects the lesson Jesus taught when the mother of Zebedee’s sons asked for her sons to be placed in positions of honor in His kingdom. Jesus responded by teaching that greatness in God’s kingdom is not about power or status but about being a servant to all.
This teaching challenges the world’s view of success and power, reminding us that in God’s eyes, the greatest are those who serve others selflessly.
Reflection for Today
In our daily lives, we often seek recognition or positions of authority, believing that these will bring fulfillment and happiness. Yet, as Jesus teaches us, true fulfillment comes from serving others.
When we put others’ needs before our own, we not only find deeper satisfaction but also follow in the footsteps of Christ, who came to serve, not to be served.
As we go about our daily activities, let us remember that the most meaningful and lasting impact we can make is through acts of kindness and service. In doing so, we become living examples of God’s love and grace. May we strive to be humble servants in all we do, bringing light and hope to those around us.
Amen.
You can also see the video version of today’s daily devotion here:
