ECWA Devotion for Saturday 7 February 2026

SATURDAY, 7 FEBRUARY                    

TEXT: MATTHEW 23:1–12

TOPIC: SEEK TO LEAD OTHERS TO JESUS CHRIST

 

MATTHEW 23:1-12 NIV

 

1: Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples:

 

2: “The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat.

 

3: So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.

 

4: They tie up heavy, cumbersome loads and put them on other people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.

 

5: “Everything they do is done for people to see: They make their phylacteries wide and the tassels on their garments long;

 

6: they love the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues;

 

7: they love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and to be called ‘Rabbi’ by others.

 

8: “But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers.

 

9: And do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father, and he is in heaven.

 

10: Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one Instructor, the Messiah.

 

11: The greatest among you will be your servant.

 

12: For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

 

SEEK TO LEAD OTHERS TO JESUS CHRIST

 

God expects us to be mindful of how we live. He addressed the crowds and His disciples, warning them about the hypocrisy of the scribes and Pharisees.

 

While they teach the law from Moses’ seat, they fail to practice what they preach. They burden others with rules but refuse to lift those burdens themselves.

 

Their religious acts are performed for show—seeking honour and recognition rather than glorifying God.

 

Jesus condemns this prideful spirit and calls His followers to a different path: humble, servant-hearted leadership. “The greatest among you will be your servant” (v.11).

 

True greatness in God’s kingdom is not found in titles or applause, but in humility and integrity.

 

We are challenged to examine our motives.

 

QUESTION: Are we seeking recognition, or are we pointing others to Christ?

 

PRAYER: Lord, keep me from hypocrisy. Help me to live with humility, serving others sincerely and reflecting Your grace in all I do. Amen.

EVANGELICAL CHURCH WINNING ALL (ECWA) FOOD FOR THE DAY 2026.