Mark 9:33-35 (NIV)
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.”
“The kingdom of God is counterintuitive to how the world works, a reign in which everything is turned on its head, following the character of the God who chooses the younger over the older, who triumphs through the cross, and who manifests his kingship by self-giving love.” [T. Gombis, The Story of God Bible Commentary, 325]
“Jesus is giving them a key kingdom principle: sacrificial love. He himself became last. He didn’t cling on to any status or privilege but took the humble position of a servant. He lived a selfless life and died a selfless death on the cross. Jesus lived what he taught. Look how he’s helping the disciples to see how their understanding of greatness is backwards. They were arguing about being the greatest, but Jesus is telling them that true greatness lies in servanthood.” [Adapted from P. Jason Han’s message]
Prayer: Lord Jesus, may we take the humble position of learning from your example, starting with serving and loving those you have placed in our lives. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Let’s worship with “The Cross Stands” by Worship Central (click here).
– CHH
