Mark 9:33-37
Key Verse: 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 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 honor. 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 a 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 down. The way to be first is to be last. The highest honor 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 day to put others first instead of ourselves.
How will you do that today?
Prayer: Jesus, those you held the highest position of honor, you made yourself nothing for my sake. Thank you for choosing the way of humility and love, making yourself a servant for all. Through your selfless love, I have been saved and set free. Help me today to follow in your steps. Amen.
