Daily Gospel Reflection for July 25, 2026

Explore how Jesus redefines greatness through service in Matthew 20:20-28 and reflect on opportunities to serve in your family life.

Today's Gospel: Matthew 20:20-28

Jesus turns expectations of what it means to be great upside down in this passage. “Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant” (Matthew 20:26). Just as in biblical times, we tend to look down on servants. We may treat those who do the grunt work of life as less valuable or worthy of esteem than others. In contrast, Jesus demonstrated the value of being a servant at the Last Supper, when He washed the feet of the disciples (John 13:1-17). He calls each of us to follow that example and serve each other.

That message is as counter-cultural today as it was two thousand years ago. The world tells us to strive for conventional signs of greatness: the fancy job title, the best office, the impressive house, the shiny new car, and the most followers and likes on social media. There is nothing inherently wrong with any of those things, but they should not be the focus of our lives. Jesus tells us those things don’t matter. He tells us to serve.

Fortunately, in our families, we have many opportunities to serve each other. Caring for children, taking care of household responsibilities, and putting the needs of other members of the family before our own are all ways to serve. That’s our path to true greatness in the eyes of the One whose opinion we should value most. 

Ponder:

Do you strive for greatness in the world’s eyes or God’s eyes?

Pray:

Dear Lord, help me to serve others in the ways you want me to serve them. 

Pray Together:

Discuss the opportunities you have to serve each other in your home. Thank each other when someone does a service for you. 

Copyright 2026 Patrice Fagnant-MacArthur