Jesus as servant leader
Pray
Begin with prayer, opening your heart to His Word and Spirit.
Read Mark 9:33-37
33 They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the road?” 34 But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest.
35 Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.”
36 He took a little child whom he placed among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, 37 “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.”
Reflect
On their way to Capernaum, the disciples argue about who is the greatest. Jesus’ model of servant leadership is revolutionary, particularly for those who have been immersed in Jewish and Roman cultures. Jesus’ reference to the child as an example and model of leadership must seem very strange to them. The journey toward Jerusalem will be one of learning and discovery for the disciples. There are many more miles to go before they fully understand and become the servants of all.
Closing prayer
Father, the world teaches us to compete with one another and always try to be number one. Help us to follow the example of Jesus’ leadership and to serve you and others in humility. Amen.