Daily Readings - Sat Jul 25 2020
2 Corinthians
7But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.8We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;9Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;10Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.11For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.12So then death worketh in us, but life in you.13We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;14Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.15For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.
Matthew
20Then came to him the mother of Zebedee's children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him.21And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom.22But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able.23And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father.24And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation against the two brethren.25But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them.26But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;27And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:28Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter powerful themes of suffering and service, inviting us to reflect on our faith and our role in the world. The first reading from 2 Corinthians reminds us that we are but fragile vessels, yet we hold within us the treasure of God's power. This passage, written in a time of great persecution, encourages believers to endure trials with faith, trusting that God's strength shines through our weaknesses. It reassures us that even in tribulation, we are not alone, for the life of Jesus is manifested in our mortal flesh.
In the Gospel of Matthew, we witness a pivotal moment where the mother of Zebedee's sons seeks positions of power for her children, only to be met with a lesson on true greatness. Jesus teaches that leadership among His followers is not about dominance but about service. He emphasizes that suffering is part of the journey, symbolized by drinking from His cup. This teaching challenges us to embrace a life of humility and service, just as Jesus did, who came not to be served, but to serve.
These readings connect through the themes of suffering and service, reminding us that our struggles are opportunities for growth and that true leadership is found in humility. In our daily lives, we can apply these teachings by viewing our challenges as chances to trust in God's power and by embracing service as a path to greatness. Let us strive to be vessels of God's love, finding strength in our vulnerabilities and living as servants, inspired by Jesus' example. May we find hope in our trials and may our service to others reflect the transformative power of faith.