Universal Utterings
for July 25, 2026
A Godcast
UniversalUtterings.Com
07-25-2026 Matthew 20 v2028 First Among You Shall Be Your Slave
The Gospel of Matthew Chapter 20 Verse 20 thru 28
20 Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee approached him with her sons and did him homage, wishing to ask him for something. 21 He said to her, “What do you wish?” She answered him, “Command that these two sons of mine sit, one at your right and the other at your left, in your kingdom.” 22 Jesus said in reply, “You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the cup that I am going to drink?” They said to him, “We can.” 23 He replied, “My cup you will indeed drink, but to sit at my right and at my left [, this] is not mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.” 24 When the ten heard this, they became indignant at the two brothers. 25 But Jesus summoned them and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and the great ones make their authority over them felt. 26 But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; 27 whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave. 28 Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Matthew 20:20-28 recounts an emotional moment where the mother of James and John requests seats of honor for her sons in Jesus’ kingdom. The disciples, in their ambition for power and distinction, reflect a common human desire for recognition and authority. Yet, Jesus redirects their focus by emphasizing the true nature of leadership in His kingdom. He tells them that greatness is not found in being served, but in serving others.
This passage underlines a profound truth: to serve Jesus faithfully, one must embrace a life of humility and selflessness. True greatness in God’s eyes is not determined by status or accolades, but by one’s willingness to serve those who are often overlooked—the least, the lonely, and the languished. Jesus sets the ultimate example, stating that He came “not to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28).
In our lives, this means prioritizing the needs of others, especially those who are marginalized or struggling. It challenges us to reflect on our motivations: Are we seeking position, or are we willing to wash the feet of those around us? True humility is found in the everyday acts of service, in the quiet moments of attending to the needs of others without seeking acknowledgment.
As we follow Christ’s example, let us commit ourselves to a life marked by service. By doing so, we not only reflect His love but also deepen our relationship with Him. In serving others, we discover the transformative power of humility and the true essence of living a Christ-centered life. Amen.
Join me as we pray our daily prayer of forgiveness. The Lord’s Prayer.
At the Savior’s command and formed by divine teaching, we dare to pray:
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil, graciously grant peace in our days, that, by the help of your mercy, we may be always free from sin and safe from all distress, as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and forever.
I am sorry Lord. I believe You died and rose for me. Please forgive me as I forgive others. I share You as my Lord and Savior seeking to live your Will in all things. Prayers for wife Toni and my mother Betty pray for our children especially our two oldest Alexandra & Allen Son in Law Mark Stern; Julian, Gabriel and Jeffrey and our grandchildren Oliver, Julian and Elliott. We pray for those we’ve said we’d pray for and those who’ve asked us to pray for them. We pray for the dying as we do each day Lord give them peace in their last breath. We pray for Holy Mother Church. Our prayers for our niece Brittany. In Jesus Precious Blood by His Name we pray. Amen.
I am a poet obedient to Christ,
Catholic Evangelist Thomas Cruz†Wiggins
†Spirit led God inspired Christ fed†®
Ephesians 6:17-20
07-25-2026 Matthew 20 v2028
**First Among You Shall Be Your Slave**
In the land where the sun rises high,
Two seekers approached with a hopeful sigh,
The mother of James and John, full of grace,
Came bearing a wish for her sons to embrace.
“Master,” she asked, with courage anew,
“In Your kingdom of glory, a favor I pursue—
Let my boys sit, one on Your right, one on Your left,
In the realms of Your power, their futures be blessed.”
But Jesus, in wisdom, met her with care,
“You do not know what you ask, unaware
Of the cup I must drink, of the path I must tread,
For greatness is forged where the humble are led.”
He turned to the twelve, with a heart full of love,
“Among gentiles, the rulers may push and shove,
But it shall not be so in the realm we define,
For to lead is to serve, and the last will align.”
“Whoever would be great must take up the call,
To serve and to sacrifice, to lift up the fall,
For even the Son, though divine in His might,
Came not to be served, but to give us His great light.”
So let us remember this lesson sublime,
True greatness awakens through love, not through crime;
In serving each other, our spirits will rise,
Reflecting His grace beneath generous skies. Amen.
© Thomas Joe Cruz†Wiggins
July 25, 2026 @ 04:04 AM EST
® Universal Utterings ® is brought to you by;
**† God First Ministries, Inc. is a Roman Catholic Lay Ministry not sponsored by The Church but is accepted by the IRS as a Religious Charitable Org. and is exempt from Federal Income Tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations made through PayPal using GodFirstforJesus@gmail.com, or given to GFM are tax deductible. †**
Leave a Reply