What Jesus Did! 'No Better than the Worst' — Matthew 20:24

Tuesday, September 23, 2025

When the ten other disciples heard what James and John had asked [about places of power in the Kingdom], they were indignant.
— Matthew 20:24 NLT

Key Thought

Isn't it amazing that we can get so angry at others for the same sin that is tripping us up! James and John and their mother are asking for what all the apostles want. The other disciples are angry and jealous of the position that the two brothers are aspiring to fill.

Jesus' example is so different. He is serving and will ultimately give up his life to build his Kingdom. Here his disciples are fighting to see who can have a position of power. Jesus' point is that there is no one with power but God alone and those to whom he gives it (Matthew 20:23). Our job as his followers is to live as servants for others while he is gone so we will be ready for him when he returns.

Today's Prayer

Father, please forgive me when I am arrogant or detached from those you have sent me to serve. Please help me to be more aware of those around me who need your grace and help me not to be looking over my shoulder to see if anyone is watching. Please use the works of my hands and heart and life to your glory. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 20:24 NLT — When the ten other disciples heard what James and John had asked [about places of power in the Kingdom], they were indignant.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Tuesday, September 23, 2025

Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Step Two in the Plan' (Acts 13:44-47)
"The following week almost the entire city [of Pisidian Antioch] turned out to hear [Paul and Barnabas] preach the word of the Lord. But when some of...."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Bragging Rights?'
"Dear Child of the Father, The Corinthian disciples had forgotten what made them special. Some were arguing that their group of believers was more..."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Soul, Body and Spirit' (1 Th. 5:23-24)
"Dear Father, all worthy God, Please give me the mind of Christ so that my body may be a temple of the spirit of holiness which is his. May you..."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Made Holy by the Spirit' (1 Pe. 1:1-2)
"Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to God's elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, who have been..."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!