HOST: Michael Whitworth
SPONSOR: Logos Bible Software
And they came to Capernaum. And when he was in the house he asked them, “What were you discussing on the way?” But they kept silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest. And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” And he took a child and put him in the midst of them, and taking him in his arms, he said to them, “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me.”
This passage is parallel to yesterday’s reading, but Mark gives us a little more background information. The apostles’ query recorded in Matthew 18:1, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” was motivated by their debate on which of them would be the greatest, and by the implied desire of each of them to be in that position. The desire to be great is a common one among people. We like the idea of being prominent, sought after, influential, and admired. It is a goal that many spend their lives chasing after. But Jesus teaches the vital lesson that, with God, greatness means service. One who is great is not served by others, but is himself a servant. Contrary to the thinking of the world, the person who would be great in the eyes of God must clothe himself with humility and put others before himself. In this way, we become more like God and His Son and fulfill His will in our lives, thus becoming great in His kingdom. May God help us all to be great by being servants.
Why is God so concerned with our being servants?
Don’t forget to pray and have a great day!
