Word@Work 106 - Mark 9:33-37
Published: Fri, 04/18/08
Word@Work from BeaconLight
Read Mark 9:33-37 They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, "What were you arguing about on the road?" But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest. Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all." He took a little child and had him stand among them. Taking him in his arms, he said to them, "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." (NIV)
Once again, Jesus asked what they were arguing about. He knew, of course, but wanted them to confess. But like squabbling children, nobody wanted to own up. So, He sat them down for a chat. He did not chide them (they were defensive enough already) but He taught them the principles of the Kingdom (which they had totally ignored). In arguing about who would be the greatest 'minister' in Jesus' government, they had ignored the fact that all the evidence pointed to Jesus!
Importance, Jesus told them, is measured by being last: greatness, is measured by service - not dominance. But the disciples had a worldly mind-set. They thought that important people should only mix with others of significance. So Jesus corrected their error. To drive the point home, a little child became a visual aid. His kingdom welcomed children, the weak, and the non-influential. Those who agreed with Jesus were also agreeing with His Father (who sent Jesus to rescue the spiritually destitute). By implication, refusal to think and act like that would exclude them from any place in His kingdom.
What a reversal of worldly values! How easily do we slip back into them - even those who have an inverted snobbery which rejects the rich and learned. However wealthy, we have nothing lasting without Jesus: and however disabled, we can have free access to the King of Kings. If Jesus taught like that, why should we act differently? Without servanthood, privilege is poison. Read James 2:1-13 (click the link). If the brother of Jesus was not too proud to get the message, should we be?
Prayer: Father God. Thank you that you did not despise me, and that your love continues to flow to me despite my failings. Help me to understand the servanthood principle that sent Jesus to the cross so that I can change my lifestyle to match that of Christ's. In His Name. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
Once again, Jesus asked what they were arguing about. He knew, of course, but wanted them to confess. But like squabbling children, nobody wanted to own up. So, He sat them down for a chat. He did not chide them (they were defensive enough already) but He taught them the principles of the Kingdom (which they had totally ignored). In arguing about who would be the greatest 'minister' in Jesus' government, they had ignored the fact that all the evidence pointed to Jesus!
Importance, Jesus told them, is measured by being last: greatness, is measured by service - not dominance. But the disciples had a worldly mind-set. They thought that important people should only mix with others of significance. So Jesus corrected their error. To drive the point home, a little child became a visual aid. His kingdom welcomed children, the weak, and the non-influential. Those who agreed with Jesus were also agreeing with His Father (who sent Jesus to rescue the spiritually destitute). By implication, refusal to think and act like that would exclude them from any place in His kingdom.
What a reversal of worldly values! How easily do we slip back into them - even those who have an inverted snobbery which rejects the rich and learned. However wealthy, we have nothing lasting without Jesus: and however disabled, we can have free access to the King of Kings. If Jesus taught like that, why should we act differently? Without servanthood, privilege is poison. Read James 2:1-13 (click the link). If the brother of Jesus was not too proud to get the message, should we be?
Prayer: Father God. Thank you that you did not despise me, and that your love continues to flow to me despite my failings. Help me to understand the servanthood principle that sent Jesus to the cross so that I can change my lifestyle to match that of Christ's. In His Name. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
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