Greatness

Here are some thoughts on Mark 9:33-37 that recently put me in awe at the modern application. The disciples in this passage were having a serious argument over who was the greatest. Just like them, most of our arguments can be traced back to our own need for importance and recognition. So before we find ourselves pointing the finger at the disciples and raking them over the coals for their immature arguing, let’s remember, they provide us a picture of ourselves. 

Look around you and you will find disciples all around you arguing about who is the greatest. It happens in the home, the church, the school, the neighborhood, the workplace, the girlfriend club and in life in general. Self-importance and greatness are not just worldly problems, they are large and real in the Christian community. You see, in life, we create "pecking orders" and you can be sure that each member wants their rightful place. 

Why do kids fight? Why do husbands and wives fight? Why do co-workers, girlfriends, and church members fight? There is always a surface problem, but the root problem can be traced back to a need to be the greatest, the noticed, the boss, the one who is right. So, do we know better than to fight over such pettiness? Of course we do and so did the disciples. That is why they kept quiet when Jesus walked up and asked them what they were talking about! 

I think it is worth noting that Jesus didn’t begin a standing, "pointing-the-finger" lecture here. He sat down calmly and called the 12 over to Him with deliberate patience, quietness, and trust. Then, He used 17 words to preach a powerful sermon: “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last and the servant of all!” That says it all. But to make the point even stronger, Jesus called children into their midst. The kids stood around the disciples, and Jesus took one of them into his arms. In this picture Jesus seems to say, "See the innocence, trust, and faith of these babies, that is what you are to be like…welcoming, serving, loving, and humble."  

Prayer: God may I be like the little children who come humbly into your presence! May I not spend all my time arguing over greatness. May I spend much time putting myself aside and looking to you for greatness. Only You can make that so in me!

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