2026 Pentecost Devotions I
Friday, June 19
Matthew 10:24-33
[Jesus said to the twelve:] 24 “A disciple is not above the teacher nor a slave above the master; 25 it is enough for the disciple to be like the teacher and the slave like the master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household!
26 “So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered up that will not be uncovered and nothing secret that will not become known. 27 What I say to you in the dark, tell in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim from the housetops. 28 Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather, fear the one who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. 30 And even the hairs of your head are all counted. 31 So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows.
32 “Everyone, therefore, who acknowledges me before others, I also will acknowledge before my Father in heaven, 33 but whoever denies me before others, I also will deny before my Father in heaven.
“… “A disciple is not above the teacher nor a slave above the master; …”
When I was in school, there was always one kid who thought he knew more than the instructor. The teacher would be at the blackboard outlining some mathematical formula when the “know-it-all” would boldly (and usually boastfully) offer a midcourse correction. Turning to face the student, the teacher would then point out that the answer given by the student was incomplete, not accurate, or way out in left field. At which point, the now-embarrassed and penitent student would slink back in his seat.
Jesus warns his disciples that they must not think of themselves too haughtily. After all, while they may know and understand much about Jesus, his ministry, and the Gospel, they will never fully comprehend all that Jesus has said, done, and will do. To think otherwise is to be a fool, not a disciple.
Too often, we want to be “God”. We want to know it all, control it all, oversee it all. It’s our natural inclination to be in charge. However, in doing so, we are setting ourselves above the One who created us, redeems us, and makes us holy. We are trying to be in full control – something that is in direct violation of the first commandment.
Jesus’ warning is a reminder that, as far as God is concerned, there is no equality, nothing greater, nor anything superior. God alone is God. There is no other.
Prayer: God of God and Lord of Lords, You alone are worthy of honor, glory, and praise. When I get boastful, arrogant, or haughty, remind me of Your warning about disciples and teachers that I may recognize who I am and who You are. Amen.