December 23 Advent Devotional
Scripture: Matthew 10: 24-25
A student is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for the student to be like his teacher, and the servant to be like his master. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebub, how much more the members of his household.
These verses in Matthew 10 are part of a set of instructions Jesus gave to His disciples. In the verses, Jesus reminds His disciples of their roles as students and servants. Jesus further informs them that they, as disciples, are to be like Him, their teacher and master. Finally, Jesus reminds the disciples that, if Jesus as the head of the house was vilified, the disciples should expect even more vilification.
As disciples, following our faith may lead us to believe we are in some way above Jesus, our teacher and master. We may demonstrate that belief in judging others, in not treating others as we wish to be treated, and in expecting more from Jesus than His steadfast love. We may expect to receive rewards on earth for our discipleship. Jesus’ life demonstrates that being like Him means sacrifice, even the sacrifice of our lives. If He, as master and teacher, was crucified, can we, his disciples, expect any less?
Jesus teaches that discipleship means becoming like Him. He teaches that becoming like Him involves sacrifice even as He sacrificed Himself for us.
Prayer: Father, we thank you for Jesus who is our way to You. We ask that You keep us humble as we grow in discipleship. We ask that You give us strength as we face the sacrifices of discipleship even as Jesus was strong in suffering crucifixion for our redemption. All of this we ask in the name of Your precious Son, Jesus.
Submitted by: Tom Leclair
