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Multimedia Lent Devotional – Tuesday of the Second Week of Lent

March 17, 2025

2025:

Tuesday of the Second Week of Lent:

  • Scripture (Nancy Penton) – Matthew 23:1-12
  • Reflection (Karen Sculley)
  • Prayer (Pam Cammarata)
  • Videos: Matthew 23:1-12
  • Music: “Humble Thyself in the Sight of the Lord” (The Maranatha Singers) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hh3msvFU0Ws

Reflection on Matthew 23:1-12 – “Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat; therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they teach. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on the shoulders of others; but they themselves are unwilling to lift a finger to move them. They do all their deeds to be seen by others; for they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long. They love to have the place of honor at banquets and the best seats in the synagogues, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have people call them rabbi. But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all students. And call no one your father on earth, for you have one Father—the one in heaven. Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Messiah. The greatest among you will be your servant. All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted.”

Jesus warns us quite plainly here of the consequences of exalting yourself, which is to excessively praise or elevate your own importance. Exalting yourself can damage relationships and reputations, and is associated with bragging, arrogance, self-centeredness, self-promotion, pride, and putting yourself above others.

Other followers of Jesus have things to say about humility and pride.

“Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less.” – C.S. Lewis

Humility is the mother of all virtues; purity, charity, and obedience. It is in being humble that our love becomes real, devoted, and ardent.” – Mother Teresa

Humility is nothing but truth, and pride is nothing but lying.” – Saint Vincent de Paul

Pride makes us artificial and humility makes us real.” – Thomas Merton

We are to have the same mind in us that was in Christ Jesus, who humbled himself and obeyed God by giving his very life for us. But how do we practically have that same mind and live out that kind of humility?

When we’re tempted to brag about our achievements, we can appreciate the contributions of others and give glory to God.

When we’re tempted to showcase our knowledge, we can cultivate curiosity and openness to learn new things.

When we’re tempted to dominate conversations, we can learn to become better active listeners.

When we’re tempted to namedrop so we appear more important, we can practice paying attention to the people with whom we are present.

When we’re tempted to seek praise and validation, we can express gratitude and offer encouragement to others.

When we’re tempted to look down on others, we can make it a priority to serve people on the margins of life.

“We bow our hearts. We bend our knees. Oh, Spirit come make us humble”

2024:

Tuesday of the Second Week of Lent:

2023:

Tuesday of the Second Week of Lent:

  • Scripture (Patricia Dotson) – Matthew 23:1-12
  • Reflection (Jim Roberson)
  • Prayer (Bart Parker)
  • Videos: Matthew
  • Music: How Beautiful (Twila Paris)

Each short Multimedia Lent Devotional is an invitation to set aside time each day during the season preceding Easter. Lent is a solemn 40-day period we observe as we seek to draw near to God prior to the great celebration of Easter. During Lent,

  • we intentionally practice sober reflection, serious repentance, and sincere restitution, in which we more fully recognize our brokenness as humans, looking always to Jesus Christ as our Savior and sanctifier;
  • we seek to live lives marked by simplicity, self-denial, and surrender, in imitation of Christ Jesus, who fasted for 40 days in the wilderness before He began His public ministry;
  • we look for ways in which we express love for neighbors and nations in need in practical ways through generously giving of our time, talents, and treasures.

This collaboration is brought to you by Liberty Vineyard Church

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