WEEK 3: THE POWERFUL GOD WHO SERVES
March 2-7
SCRIPTURE
“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.”
Mark 10:42–45
DEVOTIONAL
The disciples are arguing about greatness while Jesus is walking toward the cross. It is not hard to recognize ourselves in them. We want our lives to matter. We want to be seen, valued, respected. We want significance. Jesus does not dismiss the desire for greatness. He redefines it. True greatness in His Kingdom does not rise through dominance. It kneels in service. It does not grasp for status. It gives itself away. The Son of Man, who holds all authority, chooses to serve and to give His life as a ransom.
There is something deeply freeing about this. We do not have to fight for recognition to have worth. We do not have to secure our position. In Christ, strength looks like humility and power looks like love.
This week, notice where you crave affirmation. Notice where you measure yourself against others. Then look again at Jesus, the Servant King. Let His life recalibrate your definition of success.
Greatness, in His Kingdom, looks like faithfulness.
FASTING PRACTICE
Fast: TV, Streaming, & Movies
Stories shape imagination. Imagination shapes desire. Desire shapes action.
Much of what we consume celebrates dominance, self-promotion, and personal triumph. Even harmless entertainment can subtly reinforce the idea that life is about being seen, admired, or elevated.
For this week, step away from TV, streaming, and movies.
Do not simply replace them with another distraction. Let the absence create space.
When you would normally watch something, consider using that time to:
Ask yourself:
What story has been shaping my idea of greatness?
Let fasting retrain your imagination around the cross.
REFLECTION PROMPTS
PRAYER
Jesus,
You possessed all authority and chose the path of service. You did not cling to status. You laid down Your life. Forgive me for pursuing influence without humility. Forgive me for desiring recognition more than obedience. Reform my definition of greatness. Teach me that strength is not dominance, but self-giving love. Teach me that leadership is not control, but stewardship.
As I fast this week, reshape my imagination. Detach my heart from the need to be seen. Anchor my identity in being known by You. Make me willing to serve in ways that cost me comfort. Make me faithful when no one applauds. Let my life reflect the Servant King.
Amen
“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.”
Mark 10:42–45
DEVOTIONAL
The disciples are arguing about greatness while Jesus is walking toward the cross. It is not hard to recognize ourselves in them. We want our lives to matter. We want to be seen, valued, respected. We want significance. Jesus does not dismiss the desire for greatness. He redefines it. True greatness in His Kingdom does not rise through dominance. It kneels in service. It does not grasp for status. It gives itself away. The Son of Man, who holds all authority, chooses to serve and to give His life as a ransom.
There is something deeply freeing about this. We do not have to fight for recognition to have worth. We do not have to secure our position. In Christ, strength looks like humility and power looks like love.
This week, notice where you crave affirmation. Notice where you measure yourself against others. Then look again at Jesus, the Servant King. Let His life recalibrate your definition of success.
Greatness, in His Kingdom, looks like faithfulness.
FASTING PRACTICE
Fast: TV, Streaming, & Movies
Stories shape imagination. Imagination shapes desire. Desire shapes action.
Much of what we consume celebrates dominance, self-promotion, and personal triumph. Even harmless entertainment can subtly reinforce the idea that life is about being seen, admired, or elevated.
For this week, step away from TV, streaming, and movies.
Do not simply replace them with another distraction. Let the absence create space.
When you would normally watch something, consider using that time to:
- Pray intentionally for someone else
- Serve someone in a quiet, unseen way
- Read Mark 10 slowly and reflect on Christ’s example
Ask yourself:
What story has been shaping my idea of greatness?
Let fasting retrain your imagination around the cross.
REFLECTION PROMPTS
- How have I defined success in my own life?
- Where do I seek recognition more than faithfulness?
- What would serving without being noticed look like for me this week?
PRAYER
Jesus,
You possessed all authority and chose the path of service. You did not cling to status. You laid down Your life. Forgive me for pursuing influence without humility. Forgive me for desiring recognition more than obedience. Reform my definition of greatness. Teach me that strength is not dominance, but self-giving love. Teach me that leadership is not control, but stewardship.
As I fast this week, reshape my imagination. Detach my heart from the need to be seen. Anchor my identity in being known by You. Make me willing to serve in ways that cost me comfort. Make me faithful when no one applauds. Let my life reflect the Servant King.
Amen