They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the way?” But they were silent, because on the way they had been arguing with one another about who was the greatest. Sitting down, he called the Twelve and said to them, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be last and servant of all.” (Mark 9:33-35 CSB)
One of the debates people like to engage in is: G.O.A.T. (Greatest Of All Time). Who is the greatest athlete, the greatest musician, the greatest author, or the greatest leader of all time? Who would you put on your list?
As the disciples were walking along the road with Jesus to Capernaum, they were having their own debate about greatness. It wasn’t so much about who was the greatest of all time, but rather which of them would hold the highest position of honour. Who would be the greatest in God’s kingdom?
Knowing their thoughts and what it was they were at odds over, Jesus sat them down to debrief. He got right to the point. “If anyone wants to be first,” He said, “he must be last and servant of all” (v.35).
Jesus’ statement likely came as quite the shock to the disciples. For many of them, they had been expecting that when the Messiah came, He would overthrow their Roman oppressors and demonstrate His greatness with much pomp and power. Their definition of greatness was very different than what Jesus had in mind.
In our day, greatness is most often seen through the lens of power, prestige and prosperity. It’s about what you have achieved and the accolades that you have received. Those who are considered “great” are people who have accomplished the most, who have the most letters beside their names, and who hold the most power or influence over others.
But this is not how God sees greatness. According to Jesus, the way up the ladder of greatness is actually down. The way to be first is to be last. The highest honour is reserved for those who make themselves the lowliest. Those who are great in God’s eyes are those who humble themselves for the sake of others, who lay aside selfish ambition and instead place the needs of others ahead of their own.
True greatness then is not about what you gain, but rather what you give away. It is about a heart of humility that overflows in selfless acts of service. True greatness in God’s eyes was perfectly displayed for us by Jesus as He made Himself nothing, humbling Himself by dying on the Cross for our sake. For our sake, He made himself a servant of all.
The pursuit of greatness then is about following in His steps. It’s about making intentional decisions each and every day to put others first instead of ourselves.
How will you do that today?
Prayer: Jesus, I need you today more than I even realize. Grant me a greater level of faith that is demonstrated through humility and prayer. Help me to seek you not as the last resort, but as my first line of defense. Show your power today in me. Amen.
Author: Jonathan Miller has served in pastoral roles for more than 13 years in churches in Barrie, Oakville and Burlington, Ontario. He currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer at Prison Fellowship Canada, a ministry that mobilizes and equips local churches to engage in the restorative work of prisoners, ex-prisoners, their families, and victims across Canada. Jon holds degrees from McMaster University and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He and his wife Adrienne have been married since 2004, and live in Burlington, Ontario with their 4 children. Jon’s greatest passion is to know Jesus and to see lives transformed by Him and for Him.
