Today's Lenten Devotion - Tuesday, March 24, 2026

 Tuesday – March 24

Scripture: Mark 10:42–45

“Whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant.”

Jesus gathers his disciples and dismantles their assumptions about power. They have been arguing about status—who sits where, who ranks highest, who matters most. It is an old argument. It still echoes in boardrooms, pulpits, politics, and even quiet corners of the human heart.

Greatness kneels.

The rulers of the Gentiles “lord it over” others, Jesus says. Domination defines their authority. But “it is not so among you.” In Christ’s kingdom, influence is measured not by control but by service. The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve—and to give his life as a ransom for many.

Servant leadership is not passive. It is active love directed toward the flourishing of others. It asks not, “How can I secure my place?” but “How can I lift another?” It is courageous enough to step aside, strong enough to absorb misunderstanding, humble enough to share credit.

For the Church, this is a continual examination. Do we seek cultural influence to protect ourselves, or to serve the vulnerable? Do we cling to authority, or do we steward it gently? Titles do not confer greatness. Love does.

Lent reshapes ambition. It loosens the craving for recognition and replaces it with holy attentiveness. Where can I kneel today? Where can I listen before speaking? Where can I empower rather than dominate?

Resurrection will come, but it will come through a cross. The path to life winds through humility.

Greatness in God’s kingdom always smells faintly of dust and basin water.

Reflection Questions

1.     Where do I quietly seek recognition?

2.     How can I practice leadership through service this week?

3.     What does Christlike greatness look like in my daily life?