Daily Readings - Thu Apr 26 2018
Acts
13Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem.14But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down.15And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.16Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience.17The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an high arm brought he them out of it.18And about the time of forty years suffered he their manners in the wilderness.19And when he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Chanaan, he divided their land to them by lot.20And after that he gave unto them judges about the space of four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet.21And afterward they desired a king: and God gave unto them Saul the son of Cis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, by the space of forty years.22And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.23Of this man's seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus:24When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.25And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am not he. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of his feet I am not worthy to loose.
John
16Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.17If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.18I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me.19Now I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am he.20Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful narratives that guide us in understanding the essence of leadership and service. The first reading from Acts 13:13-25 presents Paul preaching in the synagogue at Antioch, tracing the history of Israel and highlighting God’s faithfulness. Paul connects this history to the coming of Jesus, emphasizing that the promise of salvation is fulfilled in Him. The second reading, John 13:16-20, captures Jesus during the Last Supper, where He underscores the importance of humility and unity among His disciples, urging them to follow His example of servant leadership.
The context of these readings is significant. Paul’s sermon in Acts is part of his missionary journey, where he seeks to connect the Jewish community with the message of Jesus, showing how He is the culmination of their history. In John’s Gospel, the setting is intimate, as Jesus prepares His disciples for His departure, teaching them about true leadership and unity. Both readings highlight the themes of leadership and service, illustrating that true authority is rooted in humility and love.
These readings relate by emphasizing the call to serve and follow God’s plan. Paul’s sermon and Jesus’ teachings remind us that our roles are not about personal glory but about serving others. This call to service is universal, applicable in our daily lives. Whether in our communities, workplaces, or homes, we are invited to embrace humility and serve with love. The moral lesson here is clear: true leadership mirrors Jesus’ example, prioritizing the needs of others and remaining faithful to God’s plan.
As we reflect on these readings, let us consider how we can embody servant leadership in our own lives. May we strive to serve with humility, unity, and love, following the path laid out by Jesus and proclaimed by Paul. In doing so, we not only honor God but also become instruments of His grace in the world.