Today’s Scripture: Mark 9:33-35, Philippians 2:3
Would you ever have the nerve to debate among your friends which of you is the greatest? It sounds a little absurd, doesn’t it? Apparently not to the disciples, though, because they openly bickered over that very thing within earshot of Jesus!
Maybe Peter, James, and John thought they were greater because they were part of the “inner circle.” Perhaps Judas boasted about his position as treasurer. Andrew possibly bragged that he found the boy’s lunch that fed to the crowd (John 6:8-9). Nathanael could have bragged that Jesus saw him before Philip told him about the Messiah (John 1:48). Maybe they all had reason to boast.
Jesus mildly rebuked them, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.” Let the other person have the position, power and recognition—and serve him on his way. Even Paul admonished, “Consider the other person better than yourself.” Imagine how different the church would be if people truly lived out Paul’s instructions. Would you like to get the ball rolling today?
- How difficult is it for you to consider someone else better than yourself—especially when you think they’re not? Who might you face today who will be a challenge for you?
- What would it take for you to become “last”? Who would pass you? How would you serve that person on his way forward?