Then Jesus and His apostles came to Capernaum. When Jesus was in the house, He asked His apostles, “What were you arguing about on the way?” But they were silent because on the way they had been arguing with one another about who was the greatest. Sitting down, He called the twelve and said to them, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” Then He took a child, had him stand among them, and taking him in His arms, He said to them, “Whoever welcomes one little child such as this in My name welcomes Me. And whoever welcomes Me does not welcome Me, but Him who sent Me.” Mark 9:33-37
My words…
Praise
One (just one) of the greatest examples of Your love for us is Your long-suffering in the presence of our immature, petty preoccupation with status. You had just shared with Your closest group of friends that Your suffering and death were imminent. As You walked toward Capernaum, considering the cross that lay ahead for You, Your followers lagged behind, engaged in a verbal power struggle over who would be called the greatest. I wonder – did they choose sides, some backing Peter and others backing John? Or did Thaddeus, James, or Matthew present compelling cases for themselves as greatest? I believe You were saddened by this exchange, yet You didn’t rebuke. You didn’t punish. You taught. And like so many of Your lessons, You used a visual aid – a little kid. But this kid was a first-century kid, one accustomed to being in the lowest position within the household and community. Then You presented a simple lesson that has been the most difficult for mankind to embrace: If you want to be great – be a servant. You not only sat among Your followers, speaking this truth to them, You showed them what it means to be great. You touched the untouchable. You dined with the outcast. You conversed with the downtrodden. No one was off-limits. And You did all of this because You wanted to. Father, Son, and Spirit. You are the Servant-God who acts not out of duty, but out of love.
Prayer for me
Your followers remind me of me. You knew their hearts, yet You asked them why they were arguing. What did they do? Clam up. How many times have Your words caused me to question my actions? What do I do? Clam up. Help me to be honest about my intentions and motivations as I measure them against Your teachings. Continue to sit with me and teach me as You taught your apostles.
Forgive me
Forgive me for the times when I thought and acted as if I were greater than another. Forgive me for thinking, “Why would I help those who can help themselves?” or “That woman needs help, but not my help.” or “If I help that man, I am just enabling him.” When I look on those who are weak, hurting, and needy, I should see You. Forgive me for neglecting You by neglecting others.
Prayer for others
It is apparent, throughout history, that man’s definition of greatness does not include the word servant. There are many who have been called The Great: Ramses, Cyrus, Chandragupta, Alexander, Qin Shi Huang, Herod, Catherine. You witnessed their rule. Man’s view of what constitutes greatness is skewed. Lately, I would need to attend a sporting event to view someone who is The Greatest. So today, I pray for those who are great in Your eyes – the silent servants who would never argue over who is the greatest. You are holding a place for them at Your table. On earth, they are last, but with You, they are first.
Thank you
How grateful I am that You teach me Your truths. In doing so, You are showing me the best way to spend my few moments while on earth. Thank You for showing me an example of true greatness. I wouldn’t be able to find it from any other source.
More praise
How blessed was that child in Capernaum whom You pulled close to You and held! I imagine that child will never forgot being singled out that day by the Son of God. While on earth, You changed every life You touched. Yet You continue to comfort and heal today from Your throne in the heavens. Praise to You, God, who is The Greatest by loving those who are the least.
