Who Was Greatest?
Pray
Begin with prayer, opening your heart to God’s 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 argued about who was the greatest. Jesus’ model of servant leadership is revolutionary, especially for those who had been immersed in Jewish and Roman cultures. The journey toward Jerusalem would be one of learning and discovery for the disciples. There were many more miles to go before they would fully understand that Jesus’ kingdom was one where the first would be last and the last would be first.
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.