As I walked into Saint Thomas Academy yesterday for my client’s annual Veterans’ Day ceremony, I was greeted by the honor guard in their dress uniforms. They stood at attention lining the entryway to the school. I chuckled to myself as I passed through the line up. For a second I felt strangely important.

And then I realized that the keynote speaker, a Brigadier General in the Air Force, arrived just behind me. The show of honor from the “welcoming committee” was not intended for me but someone walking directly behind me.

It reminded me of how in Jesus day the Pharisees were the ones that society honored. They enjoyed the attention and did a lot of things to get more of it.

In Matthew 23:5 Jesus says, “’Everything they do is for show. On their arms they wear extra wide prayer boxes with Scripture verses inside, and they wear robes with extra long tassels. And they love to sit at the head table at banquets and in the seats of honor in the synagogues. They love to receive respectful greetings as they walk in the marketplaces, and to be called ‘Rabbi.’”

It turns out they were fools, even though the people and culture of the time thought they were wise and all important. They were fools because they sought the limelight. They were fools because they hoarded the glory for themselves and failed to recognize the Son of God, the one to whom all glory is due.

Jesus’ teachings and actions contradicted all that the Pharisees said and did. He humbled himself. He associated with tax collectors and prostitutes. He was moved with compassion toward the blind, diseased, handicapped and poor. He came to serve, not to be served.

So many people missed Jesus because they were lining up to honor and listen to the Pharisees.The honor and glory of the day should have gone to the Messiah, Jesus.

Who do you honor in your life and why? Is that honor merited because they model servanthood and humility? Do you seek the attention of others? Follow Christ as your example. Humble yourself and look for opportunities to serve and not be served. You will receive your due honor from God in heaven.

Matthew 19:30: “But many who are the greatest now will be least important then, and those who seem least important now will be the greatest then.” (NLT)

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P.S. I thought the Harvest Devotional today was exceptionally good. Check it out if you have a second.