Being The Greatest

Being the Greatest

Mark 9:33-35, NLT

After they arrived at Capernaum and settled in a house, Jesus asked his disciples, “What were you discussing out on the road?” 34But they didn’t answer, because they had been arguing about which of them was the greatest. 35He sat down, called the twelve disciples over to him, and said, “Whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else.”

Setting the Scene

When Jesus and the Twelve returned to Capernaum, they went into a house, probably Peter’s home, where they often stayed (Mark 1:21, 29). Evidently some of the men had been having a discussion, a short distance from Jesus, as they walked along. When Jesus asked what they had been talking about, they didn’t answer. Jesus, however, knew: They had been arguing about who was the greatest and probably wondering who would have positions of prominence in the Kingdom. In Jewish culture, a person’s rank was of considerable importance (see Luke 14:7-11 for an example), so the disciples would have wondered about where they would fit in the new order. The argument may have been fueled by the special privileges given to Peter, James, and John at various times.

In the house, when Jesus sat (as a Jewish teacher would), he was signaling that he had something important to tell his listeners. After everyone gathered around, Jesus gave them, in a single sentence, the essence of true greatness: “Whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else.” In other words, greatness is determined by serving. Being a “servant of everyone else” means choosing to meet others’ needs without demanding or expecting anything in return. Seeking to be honored, respected, and the center of attention runs contrary to Jesus’ requirements for his followers. An attitude of service brings true greatness in God’s Kingdom.

Getting Personal

When recently have you felt overlooked and unappreciated because your achievements weren’t recognized or you weren’t the center of attention?

What makes serving others so difficult?

How can you serve others’ needs without expecting anything in return?

Modern Western society seems to be obsessed with social ranking, status, and recognition. In sports, we have “world” championships; in entertainment, we have a constant stream of awards shows; in business we employ a wide range of creative titles. In every field of human endeavor, we note winners and losers. Being labeled “great” or “the greatest” makes us feel important and seems to give our lives significance. So Jesus’ statement about the “first” being “last” sounds like crazy talk, overturning our world’s values.

All of us, even Christ-followers, are susceptible to the pull of wanting to be better than everyone else, to be first, the champion, the winner. We love to be lauded and served. But if we truly want to follow Christ, we need to take last place, to humble ourselves and serve just as Jesus did. That’s the path to greatness.

Talking to God

Admit to the Lord that you are often concerned about yourself or your image. Ask him to grow in you a strong desire for his glory and a joy in serving others.