The First Shall Be Last
[Jesus said,] “Anyone who wants to be the first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else.” Then he put a little child among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, “Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes my Father who sent me.” Mark 9:35-37
Advertisement
In this passage the disciples fussed and argued about who would be the greatest in the kingdom of God. The startling aspect of this argument is that it occurred shortly after Jesus informed the disciples that he would soon die. Not only did they miss an opportunity to comfort their leader, but they also missed the point entirely. Christ had lived a selfless life as their example. He had taught them that he would die an agonizing death so that they, and generations after them, might live eternally. But they didn’t understand because their focus was on themselves. So Jesus attempted to teach them one more lesson: that anyone who wants to be first (that is, in importance) must be last. It is only when we take the spotlight off of our own ambitions and desires that our eyes can be open to the needs of those around us. Then we can become humble servants and welcome the innocent, hungry, hurting, and broken. Jesus said that in doing this, we also welcome him, and we embrace the heart of God.
Prayers:
JESUS, society teaches me to grab for all that I can. Yet you desire more for me than a selfish existence. Help me not to be “inward” focused but rather to see a world much bigger than my own needs and ambitions. You are my example. You came to serve when, of all people, you deserved to be waited upon. I look to you for guidance on how I, too, can serve those who are in need today.
Quotes:
In God’s family, there is to be one great body of people: servants. In fact, that’s the way to the top in his kingdom.
Charles R. Swindoll (b. 1934)
The One Year Bible Readings for today are: Leviticus 22:17–23:44; Mark 9:30–10:12; Psalm 44:1-8 and Proverbs 10:19.
