March 7 – Who is the Greatest?

They came to Capernaum; and when He was in the house, He began to question them, "What were you discussing on the way?" But they kept silent, for on the way they had discussed with one another which of them was the greatest. Sitting down, He called the twelve and said to them, "If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all." Mark 9:33-35

I think it is normal for people to rank themselves—we subconsciously do it all the time. It can be based on our outward appearance, education level, job status, location of our home, who our friends or family are, the car we drive, the books we read, where we shop, or the restaurants we go to, our favorite sports team…any number of things. We just want to be the better than others. That is what the disciples were discussing—who was the greatest. When Jesus spoke, they knew that they had chosen the wrong topic of discussion. That would not please Him. He expected them to be willing to be servants to each other…and to other followers. But they were vying for who would sit next to Jesus. “I’m greater—I was with Him on the Mountain—when He spoke to Moses and Elijah.” “No—I’m greater—He forgave me more than you.” “Well—remember…He called me first.” No one said…”I gave Him water when He was thirsty.”  Are you willing to be a servant to others around you?

 

Training Tip – Discuss this scripture passage with your family. What does it mean to be a servant? Today if someone has a servant—someone who cleans their house or mows their lawn, they are well paid. But Jesus was not expecting His disciples to be paid for their willingness to serve others. We should be willing to do things without being paid. Find a task that your family can do in your community to serve others. It might be passing out water for an Arthritis Walk (or other fund-raiser activity), making sandwiches for a local mission, making a fleece blanket for the homeless, collecting canned food for a food drive, or putting together bags with toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap and towels for emergency rescue situations. 

Brainstorm with your family and ask your kids what project they would like to do for others. They may come up with ideas that you haven’t even considered.

Lord Jesus, I humble myself before You and admit that being a servant is not an easy thing to do. Help me to see the needs that others have and reach out to serve them. Help me to be more like You today.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.