Revised Common Lectionary (Semicontinuous)

God rules the world^[a]

Moses and Joshua warn the people

⁴⁴ Moses went and he spoke all the words of this song to the Israelites. He did this together with Joshua, son of Nun. ⁴⁵ When Moses had finished speaking all these words, ⁴⁶ he said to the people, ‘Remember carefully the message that I have spoken to you today. You must teach these words to your children. They must learn to obey all the words of God's Law. ⁴⁷ These are not just useless words. This is a message that gives life! If you obey it, you will live for many years in the land on the other side of the Jordan River. That is the land that will be your new home.’

⁴² But Jesus told the disciples to come to him. He said to them, ‘You know the things that rulers of other countries do. They show that they have much power over their people. The leaders of those countries use great authority over their people. ⁴³ But you should not be like that. Instead, the person who wants to be great among you must become like your servant. ⁴⁴ Anyone who wants to be the most important person among you must work hard for you all. ⁴⁵ Even the Son of Man came to earth to be a servant to other people. He did not come here to have servants who must work for him. No, he came to die so that many people can be free.’