Daily Readings - Thu Jul 25 2024
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 profound lessons on faith, humility, and service. The first reading from 2 Corinthians reminds us that our weaknesses and struggles are not obstacles but opportunities for God’s power to shine through. Paul writes about holding a great treasure in earthen vessels, emphasizing that our frailty allows God’s strength to be revealed. This passage invites us to embrace our vulnerabilities, knowing that they are a means for God to work through us, even in the midst of tribulation.
The Gospel from Matthew challenges our understanding of greatness and leadership. When the mother of James and John asks for places of honor for her sons, Jesus responds by teaching that true greatness is found in service, not in power or status. He contrasts the worldly model of leadership, where the powerful dominate, with the Christian model, where the greatest among us are those who serve others. This teaching is both a call to humility and a reminder that our lives should reflect the self-giving love of Christ, who came “not to be served, but to serve.”
These readings are deeply connected. Both emphasize that our lives as Christians are not about seeking glory or comfort but about embracing sacrifice and service. In 2 Corinthians, Paul shows that our struggles are opportunities for God’s life to shine through us. In Matthew, Jesus teaches that true greatness is found in humility and service. Together, they call us to reorient our lives away from self-interest and toward the needs of others. As we reflect on these readings, let us ask ourselves: How can we embrace our weaknesses as a way to rely more on God? How can we serve others in our daily lives? May we find the courage to live out the paradox of Christian greatness, where true strength is found in humility and love.