Flesh

"A dispute also arose among them, as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest." — Luke 22:24, ESV

When I first read the passage above, I felt a little irritated with the disciples. Here was Yeshua, sharing His last meal on earth with them. He was being betrayed by someone in His inner circle, and He was preparing to endure a horrific death. Yet, in this profound moment, His closest companions were arguing over their positions and status. How often do we become so blinded by our own selfish, fleshly desires that we miss what is truly happening around us?

God showed me that we are all just like the disciples. We strive for recognition and titles because we want to feel important. Even though the disciples were hand-selected by Yeshua and lived in the very presence of God, the desires of the flesh still rose within them. Yeshua reminded them that the greatest among them was to be a servant. His kingdom does not operate like the world’s, where people chase after status and self-gratification. Instead, in His kingdom, true greatness is found in serving others.

Our sinful nature desires recognition, but when we stay in the Word, it crucifies our flesh and reminds us that love is the key to servanthood. Obeying the greatest commandment—“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind”—and loving our neighbor as ourselves keeps us aligned with God’s will. In doing so, we serve in the perfect image of God.

Key Takeaways

• Do not be discouraged—God has given grace for our fleshly struggles.

• The greatest in God’s kingdom is the one who serves.

• Love is the foundation of fulfilling all that Yeshua requires of us.

Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11

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