Esther Reading Plan – W2D5
Check out all the previous Esther readings here.
Esther Reading Plan | Week 2 | Day 5
Prayer
As you come to spend time with Jesus, calm your mind and body until you feel fully present. Thank God that you can meet with Him and ask Him to encourage your heart through HIs word today.
Bible Reading: Mark 10:42-45
Read these verses three times slowly.
Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Reflection & Questions
King Xerxes used his power for his own purposes; to stroke his own ego. Even in his lavish parties where people got whatever they wished, it was really all about serving his own ego.
Jesus’ approach to power is far different. He tells the disciples that earthly rulers use their power to exercise authority over others. “Not so with you,” he says. He tells them they should be slaves of all. “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
We might not have the power of a king, or a rich person, but we all have some kind of influence. It might be as a supervisor, as a customer, as a parent or teacher. We all have opportunities to use our influence for our own selfish benefit or to serve, to make other people’s lives better. Jesus’ way is the way of service, even to the point of costing his life. We have an amazing King and we should desire to live like Him!
- Where do you have influence or power today? (Hint: The answer isn’t nowhere)
- What are a couple of ways you could use that influence to serve other and make their lives better?
Prayer
Pray in response to today’s reading.
Worship Song
You might use this song today to worship Jesus today:
Prepare to Meet with Jesus
Go to your quiet place with no devices to distract you. Take three deep breaths. Listen as you stay still and quiet for 30 seconds. Ask God for His help to read and understand.
Bible Reading: Philippians 2:3-8
Read these verses three times slowly.
Don’t do anything only to get ahead. Don’t do it because you are proud. Instead, be humble. Value others more than yourselves. None of you should look out just for your own good. Each of you should also look out for the good of others.
As you deal with one another, you should think and act as Jesus did.
In his very nature he was God.
Jesus was equal with God. But Jesus didn’t take advantage of that fact.
Instead, he made himself nothing.
He did this by taking on the nature of a servant.
He was made just like human beings.
He appeared as a man.
He was humble and obeyed God completely.
He did this even though it led to his death.
Even worse, he died on a cross!
Reflection & Questions
King Xerxes was a showoff. He gave parties and gifts to get others to do what he wanted. He was bossy and cared the most about what was good for him, not what was good for other people.
Jesus washed his disciples’ feet even though they were very stinky and gross. He gave up all his riches in heaven to come to earth and be born in a manger. He lived as a human and showed us how to obey God. Then, he died on the cross for us. Jesus cared more about what was good for us than what was good for him.
Jesus wants us to be more like him. We can find ways to serve and care for the people in our lives. We can ask Jesus to help us love others the way he loves us. It’s ok to care about our own needs, but we should also care about other people’s needs. We can ask Jesus to help us do that.
- How was Xerxes different from Jesus? Would you rather be more like Xerxes or Jesus?
- How can you serve your family or friends this week?
- What is one loving thing you can do today?
Pray
Thank Jesus for coming to earth, living as a human, and dying on the cross. Thank him for forgiving you and helping you live how he wants you to. Ask him to help you serve the way he served. Ask him to help you love other people.
Check out more Bible Reading Plans here.
Questions?
Ed Applegate
