Daily Scripture:
Matthew 20:24 Now when the other ten heard about this, they were outraged at the two brothers. 25 But Yeshua called them and said, “You know that among the Goyim, those who are supposed to rule them become tyrants, and their superiors become dictators. 26 Among you, it must not be like that. On the contrary, whoever among you wants to be a leader must become your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave! 28 For the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve — and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Complete Jewish Bible).
Matthew 5:14 “You are light for the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Likewise, when people light a lamp, they don’t cover it with a bowl but put it on a lampstand, so that it shines for everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before people, so that they may see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven. (Complete Jewish Bible).
Reflection Questions:
In Wonder Auggie’s older sister, Via (short for Olivia) faced her own challenges. But she cheered her brother on, telling him, “You can’t blend in when you were born to stand out. Show them.” Jesus called his followers to stand out, too—but not in the way James and John thought. They pictured human greatness, but Jesus said, “The great ones in my Kingdom serve.” Jesus called all his followers to be “the light of the world,” people through whom God’s light brightens the dark, hurting places around us. The purpose of such “servant standing out” is not to make people praise us, but our Father in heaven.
- We have a pretty good idea (as James and John did) what human power, privilege and importance look like. Down deep, most of us wish for some of the perks that go with power. But Jesus’ view of greatness was succinct and direct: “that’s not the way it will be with you.” Jesus said he didn’t come to be served, but to serve, and even give his life. In what specific ways does living like Jesus change your approach to life?
- Who has been a light in your life? What have you learned about living as a channel for God’s light from their example? Thank that person or persons. And who do you know whose world you have an opportunity to brighten? Prayerfully choose one specific step you can take to bring the light of God’s love into their life this week.
Ginger is a graduate of Saint Paul School of Theology. She and her husband Rob have a son, a daughter, and a high energy dog. She loves writing, conversations over coffee, and teaching spiritual classes.
The first time I saw the movie Wonder, I could feel my tears brewing within minutes of the opening scene. For two hours, I cried tears of sadness, frustration, heartbreak, anger, hope, happiness, grief, joy, compassion, and ultimately gratitude for witnessing the beautiful story of Auggie Pullman.
Auggie is a little boy who wears an astronaut helmet everywhere he goes. The helmet covers a facial deformity. Auggie lives in fear of the world seeing who he truly is. This little boy has decided it is easier to live in a hot, dark, heavy astronaut helmet than face the scrutiny of society.
But the helmet doesn’t just cover Auggie’s face. It covers his soulful loving eyes that offer light to the world.
Auggie’s eyes see the world with kindness, compassion, and love. His eyes reflect a knowing of suffering. His eyes can tell a story of hope. If seen, his eyes could teach the world how to love unconditionally. But it takes so much courage to live that way that Auggie keeps his eyes unseen.
Auggie’s older sister reminds him, “You can’t blend in when you were born to stand out. Show them.” He eventually enters school without his helmet. It is painful to watch, and painful to be Auggie, but eventually people see his light. They see his loving eyes. They learn more about themselves. They begin see their own light. They find the beauty of Auggie’s soul, and begin to see beauty in every soul.
I think this is what Jesus might be teaching when he said, “Let your light shine.”
We all wear masks that dim our light. We hide our flaws, we strive for perfection, we cover our mistakes, and we allow veils of shame to dim our potential.
In finding the courage to remove the mask, we help others see God’s love reflected in our eyes. We give others permission to not be perfect. We remove judgment and invite compassion. We offer the message that we are all in this human experience together, with God’s grace, doing the best we can, day by day.
This has me thinking about masks I need to remove to shine brighter, where I need to find courage, and where God is calling me to share my light. Are you thinking about these things too? Jesus is reminding us to remind each other that when others see our loving light, they are reminded that they have a loving light within them too. Our calling is to find the courage to let our light be seen. Let’s find the courage to shine together.
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You might also like:
- “The goal I pursue”
- Seeing again
- “My Son, whom I dearly love”
- Kindness: a fruit of the Spirit
- Prayer Tip: What do you see?
- Or download this week's printable GPS.
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Scripture quotations are taken from The Common English Bible ©2011.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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