October27: The Way Up Is Down
Scripture
“The greatest among you must be a servant. But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
—Matthew 23:11–12 (NLT)
Reflection
What comes to mind when you hear the word servant? How would you feel if someone referred to you that way? Most of us would rather be known for our strength, success, or influence. Yet Jesus turns that thinking upside down. He says that the greatest among us must be a servant. This isn’t optional; it is the way of His Kingdom.
Jesus never asked anything of us that He wasn’t willing to do Himself. “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.” If anyone ever deserved to be served, it was Him. Instead, He took the lowest place, washing feet, lifting burdens, and ultimately laying down His life for us.
Andrew Murray once wrote, “The humble man feels no jealousy or envy. He can praise God when others are preferred and blessed before him.”¹ That is the spirit of servanthood Jesus modeled. True humility isn’t self-degradation; it is a heart so secure in God’s love that it finds joy in lifting others up.
Jesus also gives us a promise we can trust. Those who exalt themselves will be humbled, but those who humble themselves will be exalted. Pride always leads to a fall, but humility opens the door to grace. So today, choose the path of a servant. Look for ways to love and lift others rather than seeking recognition for yourself. When we walk in humility, we honor Jesus and make space for God to bless us and lift us up in His time.
Reflection
1. How does Jesus’ definition of greatness challenge the world’s idea of success?
2. Who in your life might need your help or encouragement today?
3. In what specific ways can you practice humility and servanthood this week?
Prayer
Ask God to give you the heart of a servant and the humility of Jesus. Pray for opportunities to serve others with love and joy. Thank Him for showing through Christ that true greatness in His Kingdom begins with humility.
Footnote
¹ Andrew Murray, Humility (London: James Nisbet & Co., 1895), 54.