Faith Daily Lectio Thursday, November 5, 2026 Gospel
Thursday, November 5, 2026 · Thursday in the week of the Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 26)
Gospel
Oratio (prayer)
Lord Jesus, You are our Master and our Servant. Send Your Holy Spirit as I read Matthew 23, that I may hear Your warning against pride and trust You who humbled Yourself for me. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Meditatio (meditation)
Matthew 23:1-12
1Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples,
2Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat:
3All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.
4For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.
5But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,
6And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,
7And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.
8But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.
9And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.
10Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.
11But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.
12And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.
Consider even rereading in another translation.
You could also consider listening to this chapter, narrated:
KJV (Max McLean) · ESV (Max McLean) · NIV (dramatized)
You might read the whole reading slowly, aloud, more than once.
Consider this verse, for example:
“And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.” (Matthew 23:12)
What other lines speak to you?
Jesus speaks to the crowds and to His disciples about the scribes and the Pharisees. They sit in Moses' seat and teach the law, yet their works are done to be seen. They love titles and honor. Jesus tells His own people not to chase those titles. The greatest among them shall be their servant. Whoever exalts himself will be abased, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
The Law Jesus exposes a religion that performs: "But all their works they do for to be seen of men" (v. 5). They "say, and do not" (v. 3), and they "bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne" (v. 4) while refusing to lift a finger. We know that hunger for honor. We want to look faithful more than we want to serve.
The Gospel Then Jesus points away from titles to Himself: "for one is your Master, even Christ" (v. 8). And He gives the pattern of His own life: "But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant" (v. 11). He is the One who "shall humble himself" and "shall be exalted" (v. 12). He humbled Himself to the cross for you, and the Father has exalted Him. In Him, the proud are brought low in mercy, and the humble are lifted up.
Prayer Lord Jesus, I confess that I have loved to be seen and honored. Forgive me for Your sake. Make me Your servant, and keep me under You as my only Master. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Tentatio (trial)
Pride can hide even in our service. Under trial it may help to hear Jesus' word again: "And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted" (v. 12). You might ask Him to empty you of self-glory today, and to fill you with His own humble love.
Prayer Lord, when I reach for honor, turn my heart to serve. Keep me under Christ my Master, and let me walk in His humility today. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Scripture quotations are from the King James Version.
My church home: Peace Lutheran Church, McMurray, PA. Looking for a church? See About Daily Lectio.
