Pastor Jerry emphasizes the importance of honoring mothers and their selfless love for their children, reflected in a biblical story from Matthew 20 about the mother of James and John. He warns against letting the desire for the best opportunities for our children turn into selfish ambition, urging a shift from self-centered pursuits to devotion to Jesus. The sermon points out that true greatness in God’s kingdom comes from serving others rather than seeking authority or recognition. Ultimately, Pastor Jerry calls for a reflection on our values and encourages believers to embrace a life of sacrificial devotion to God instead of worldly ambition.

5 Day Devotional

This five day devotional will be taking a deeper dive into the sermon from this weekend. Each day we will reflect on the themes of ambition versus devotion as exemplified in the story of Salome and her sons, encouraging us to seek true service and selflessness in our lives.

Day 1

Matthew 20:20-21

In this passage, we see Salome, the mother of James and John, approaching Jesus with a personal request for her sons to hold positions of honor in His kingdom. This act reflects a common parental desire: to seek the best for our children. Yet, it also reveals a deeper truth about ambition and our motivations. When we advocate for our children, do we truly seek their well-being, or are we driven by our own ambitions and desires? This week, as we explore these themes, we are invited to reflect on what it truly means to honor God through our pursuit of greatness.

As we consider the motivations behind our desires for success, let us remember that Jesus teaches us about servanthood and selflessness. Real greatness in His kingdom is not about personal ambition but devoted service to others. This realization can transform how we view our roles as parents, friends, and members of our communities.

• What are my ambitions for my children, and where do they align or conflict with God’s values?
• In what ways can I better model selflessness and service in my daily life?
• How can I support my family in pursuing lives devoted to the service of others?

• Pray for clarity in your ambitions and that they align with God’s desires for you and your family.
• Ask for opportunities to serve others this week, bearing in mind the example of Jesus.

Day 2

Matthew 20:22-23

When Jesus asked James and John if they were able to drink the cup He was about to drink, He was pointing them toward the realities of sacrifice and servanthood. Their eagerness in responding “We are able!” highlights an important aspect of human nature: the desire for honor and recognition often overshadows the understanding of the true cost involved in following Jesus. This day, we confront the challenge of our desires; are we ready to embrace what it really means to follow Christ?

In recognizing the connection between sacrifice and glory, we learn that a life devoted to God often requires us to recalibrate our desires from seeking power to embracing the humble service that Jesus exemplified. This week, let’s contemplate how we can embrace the “cup” of suffering or service in our own walks with Christ, realizing that such devotion leads to true fulfillment and purpose.

• What does it mean for me to ‘drink the cup’ in my life today?
• Am I willing to sacrifice my own ambitions for the sake of serving others?
• How can I cultivate a spirit of servanthood in my family?

• Reflect on the sacrifices Jesus made and how they inspire you to act.
• Ask God for the strength to serve humbly and faithfully.

Day 3

Matthew 20:24-26

The indignant reaction of the other disciples serves as a reminder that ambition often leads to conflict and division. When personal interests become the priority, the unity of the community is threatened. This day, we explore how our ambitions and desires can sometimes hinder the communal bonds we share as believers. Jesus calls us away from such worldly distractions and toward a community grounded in service and love.

Understanding leadership in God’s kingdom is crucial as we navigate our relationships. Jesus teaches that true leaders are those who serve and uplift others rather than dominate or control. By focusing on building each other up rather than seeking our own glory, we can reflect the heart of Christ in our communities, cultivating environments that honor God’s values.

• Do I prioritize my ambitions over the well-being of others in my community?
• How can I promote unity and servanthood in my relationships?
• What steps can I take to ensure my actions reflect Christ’s love?

• Pray for humility in your approach to others and a heart for service.
• Seek God’s guidance in resolving any tensions in your relationships.

Day 4

Matthew 20:27-28

In this section, Jesus redefines greatness as servanthood. The values of the world often invert the true meaning of leadership, where positions of power are abused for personal gain. However, Jesus calls us into a radically different understanding of greatness based on our willingness to serve. How can we shift our perspectives today to align with the Kingdom values that prioritize others above ourselves?

As we reflect on serving others, we realize that true service involves a willingness to put others before ourselves, mirroring the ultimate sacrifice Jesus made. This week, we are challenged to identify areas in our lives where we can offer selfless service, instilling these values in our families and communities, ensuring that we embody the love Christ has for each of us.

• In what ways have I confused ambition for leadership with the call to serve?
• How can I practically serve those around me this week?
• What prevents me from stepping into a servant role in my community?

• Ask God to open your eyes to serving opportunities in your daily life.
• Pray for a heart that desires to serve rather than to be served.

Day 5

Matthew 20:29-34

This final day offers us a glimpse into the compassion of Jesus as He heals two blind men who call out to Him. It illustrates the culmination of His message of servanthood and sacrifice. The act of healing—putting aside His own needs to meet the needs of others—speaks volumes about what it means to truly live out the call of Christ in our lives. As we conclude this devotional, we are invited to consider how our own lives can reflect the same compassion.

The beauty of following Jesus is that He not only models servanthood but empowers us to do the same. Our final reflection should center on how we can respond to the needs of those around us. Let’s commit to being conduits of His love and compassion, allowing His spirit to lead us into action that glorifies Him and serves our communities.

• How am I responding to the needs of those around me?
• What role can compassion play in my daily interactions?
• Are there specific individuals or communities I can serve this week?

• Reflect on a time when someone showed you great compassion; ask God to help you emulate that.
• Pray for the courage to reach out and serve those in need in your community.