In Matthew 20, Jesus sheds significant light on the topic of leadership, authority, and greatness as He offers an amazing contrast between what people perceive and what actually is.  Far too often, this passage is quoted without the all-important context that is vital for understanding.  He concludes a grand discourse that has presented several parables and, most recently, announced to His disciples that He would die at the hands of the Jewish and Gentile leaders.  At the end of this teaching, a mother approaches Jesus to ask for her sons to have preferential treatment in His kingdom.  She was exhibiting faith that He was the promised Messiah but also betraying a misunderstanding of the Messiah.  Needless to say, the other ten were not happy and then we hear leadership gold from Jesus!

A long-forgotten blog resurfaced in a strange turn of events, and this entry is just as applicable today as it was a decade ago when it was written...

It has been quite some time since I have shared my thoughts about my devotional readings. No, I have not been unfaithful in reading God's Word; however, I will concede that I do not spend enough time in studying His thoughts.

When you are asked about examples of godly leaders, what names come to mind?  Moses?  Certainly!  Joshua?  Yes!  The apostle Paul?  Without a doubt!  If I told you that Joseph was the most overlooked and godly leader of Scripture, would that grab your attention?  Of course it would!  I admit that claim is bold but step back and think about it for just a minute.  God chose Joseph, of all the men on earth, for a simple but significant purpose - to serve as the earthly father for Jesus with the responsibility to lovingly lead the One who would bring salvation to humanity.  That's a man demanding our attention and study!