Servant

Wednesday, April 29, 2026 — Fourth Week of Easter, Year C

Lectionary Readings (Revised Common Lectionary):

• Psalm 100: A song of praise and thanksgiving.
• Jeremiah 23:1-8: A prophecy against shepherds who destroy the sheep and the promise of a Righteous Branch.
• Matthew 20:17-28: Jesus foretells his death and teaches on servant leadership.

Source: Vanderbilt Divinity Library

Associated Artwork

Title: Jesus Washing Peter’s Feet (1852–1856)
Artist: Ford Madox Brown
Description: This piece captures the physical labor and humility of Christ’s service. Jesus is depicted in a low posture, focused on the mundane and dirty task of washing his disciples' feet, perfectly illustrating the theme of servant leadership.
View Artwork: Vanderbilt Art in the Christian Tradition

Reflection

In contemporary society, the obsession with leverage and position is constant. Whether through political maneuvering, global power, or social status, the recurring question is: Who gets to sit in the seats of power?

This is the same question posed by the mother of James and John in Matthew 20. Immediately after Jesus predicts his own suffering and death, a moment of profound vulnerability (not to mention some really bad timing), he gets his with a request for a promotion: "Declare that these two sons of mine will sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom."

While it is easy to dismiss this as tone-deaf ambition, it reflects a common human desire for control when life feels chaotic. When faced with the "muddy waters" of life, the stress of economic inflation, the exhaustion of caregiving, or the emotional toll of working with those who are struggling and dysregulated, the instinct is often to seek a seat of authority to rise above the mess.

Jesus, however, flips the script on greatness. He states, "Whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant... just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve."

This servant-leadership is rarely glamorous in daily life. It is found in the "downward way":

• The grit required to set firm boundaries for a struggling teenager out of a commitment to their long-term safety.
• The persistence needed to coordinate plans when running on fumes.
• The patience to listen to a friend whose life is falling apart, even when your own feels like it's not doing so great either.
• The simple act of managing household chores when you're too exhausted to stand.

Jeremiah 23 promises a "Righteous Branch" and a Great Shepherd who gathers the scattered. This Shepherd does not lead from a distant throne but wades into the chaos with us. Because He is already standing in the shadows of our difficult circumstances, we are freed from the need to scramble for honor. We are empowered to simply serve the person right in front of us.

Prayer

God of peace, the noise of the world and the exhaustion of our days often leave us grasping for control. Forgive us when we look for seats of honor instead of the basin and the towel. Give us the endurance to serve those placed in our care, especially those who are hardest to love today. Remind us that we do not walk this road alone, but that your Son is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, walking beside us in the muddy waters. Amen.