Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
May 03, 2023: SOAP #4899: 2Samuel 7; 1Chronicles 17; Psalm 2; Matthew 20

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 20:25 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them.  26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”…
30  Two blind men were sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was going by, they shouted, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!”… 32 Jesus stopped and called them. “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked. 33 “Lord,” they answered, “we want our sight.” 34 Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him.

OBSERVATION:  In verses 25-28, Jesus taught the disciples about being a servant.  The purpose of a servant is to live and work for the good of another.  Then in verses 29-43, the disciples watched as Jesus demonstrated the servant attitude in ministry.  Jesus responded kindly to the interruption of the two blind men.  He asked how He might serve them.  He had compassion.  He touched them.  He touched their weakness.  He healed them.  And in so doing, Jesus became their servant!

APPLICATION:  One very great way Jesus served us is in giving us an example of what it means to be a servant.  I must do it “…just as the Son of Man…” (verse 28) 

Jesus words teach me.  His life is my example.  And as the Holy Spirit empowered Jesus, so the Holy Spirit empowers me to live out the life of Jesus. 

PRAYER:   Holy Spirit, I cannot live up to the teaching and example of Jesus without your help.  Fill me with yourself.  Empower me to be the servant needed.  May Jesus be glorified in my life.   Amen

Pastor Leon
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