Scripture:
Mark 9:30-37 (WEBBE)
“They went on from there and passed through Galilee. He didn’t want anyone to know it. For he was teaching his disciples, and said to them, “The Son of Man is delivered up into the hands of men, and they will kill him. When he is killed, after three days he will rise again.” But they didn’t understand the saying, and were afraid to ask him. He came to Capernaum, and when he was in the house, he asked them, “What were you arguing among yourselves on the way?” But they were silent, for they had disputed one with another on the way about who was the greatest. He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, “If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all, and servant of all.” He took a little child, and set him in the middle of them. Taking him in his arms, he said to them, “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me. Whoever receives me receives not me, but him who sent me.”
Reflection:
In this passage from Mark, we see Jesus teaching His disciples about the nature of His upcoming suffering and death while also addressing a significant issue within their ranks: a dispute over who among them is the greatest.
As Jesus and His disciples travel through Galilee, He privately teaches them about His impending death and resurrection. Despite His clear revelation, the disciples do not understand His words and are hesitant to inquire further. This lack of understanding highlights their struggle to grasp the full meaning of Jesus’ mission and the coming events.
Upon arriving in Capernaum, Jesus addresses the disciples’ recent argument about who is the greatest among them. Their silence in response to Jesus’ question reveals their discomfort with the topic and their own internal conflict. Jesus uses this moment to teach a fundamental principle of His Kingdom: greatness is defined not by status or power, but by humility and service.
Jesus says, “If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all, and servant of all.” This statement flips the conventional understanding of greatness on its head. In Jesus’ view, true greatness comes from serving others selflessly, rather than seeking personal elevation or recognition.
To illustrate His point, Jesus takes a little child and places him in the midst of the disciples. By doing so, He emphasizes the importance of receiving and valuing those who are often considered insignificant in society. Jesus teaches that receiving such a child in His name is equivalent to receiving Him and, by extension, receiving God the Father. This act of receiving the humble and vulnerable is a reflection of the Kingdom’s values.
This passage calls us to reevaluate our understanding of greatness and success. Are we more focused on achieving status and recognition, or are we willing to serve others with humility? How do we respond to those who may be marginalized or overlooked in our communities?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, we thank You for Your example of true greatness, which is marked by humility and service. Help us to embrace this teaching and to serve others with a heart full of love and compassion. Transform our understanding of greatness, so that we may follow Your example and value the humble and the vulnerable. Teach us to seek Your Kingdom by putting others first and reflecting Your love in our actions. In Your name, Amen.
Application:
- Reflect on your own pursuits and ambitions. How can you align your goals with the values of humility and service that Jesus taught?
- Consider your interactions with others, particularly those who may be overlooked or undervalued. How can you demonstrate Christ-like love and acceptance to them?
- Evaluate the ways you contribute to your community or church. Are you serving others selflessly, or are there areas where you might seek recognition or status?
Verse for Meditation:
“If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all, and servant of all.” (Mark 9:35, WEBBE)