Those who exercise authority and power over others are considered great in the world. The disciples envied worldly rulers and wanted to be like them. However, Jesus told them that truly great people are those who serve others. Jesus is the Son of God, but he used his power to serve the weak, sick, and helpless in his life and ministry. Jesus encouraged his disciples to learn how to serve others by following his example. Jesus' people do not follow the way of the world, but choose to follow the footsteps of Jesus, for their hope is not in this world, but in the eternal kingdom of God.

Jesus knew that Satan would shake Peter's faith when he was arrested. Jesus also knew that Peter would fail to keep his faith. However, Jesus still prayed for Peter that his faith might not fail and that he might strengthen his brothers after turning back from failure. Jesus knows our weakness, but he is praying for us not to fail in our faith. When we fail, we must never despair, but come to God in repentance and receive his forgiveness. Christians are called to engage in a spiritual battle with Satan and to bring the gospel to the ends of the earth. For this, we must depend on God alone, not on material things or people or past experiences.


Application: Lord, help me put my hope in your kingdom and live a life of service. Help me not to fail in faith.
One Word: Jesus confers on us a kingdom