The Gospel of Mark: Who's the Greatest?

Then they came to Capernaum; and when (Jesus) was in the house he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the way?” But they were silent, for on the way they had argued with one another who was the greatest. He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, “Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.” Then he took a little child and put it among them; and taking it in his arms, he said to them, “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me.” ~ Mark 9:33-37



Let's just skip over the fact about how boneheaded those disciples have to be to talk about who is the greatest after  Jesus' recent sermons to them about his death and resurrection, as well as dying to self and taking up the cross.

Regardless of what they've heard, that's what they argue about. And for their troubles, Jesus has more to make clear to them.

We've got that word again, "servant," or "diakonos." Literally serving tables. 

You want to be great? Be hospitable. (like Simon Peter's mother-in-law was hospitable).

And who should you be hospitable to?

Children.

Now it's tempting to think a "child" is a metaphor. But it isn't.

Children in 1st century Palestine were viewed as little more than property. They were almost considered nothing. (Actually, that stayed true about children well into the second millennium all over the world).

To treat a child with hospitality - to serve a child - was crazy. Why would anyone do that? Who would do that?

Jesus. That's who.

You want to be great? Serve the one who everyone else says isn't great.

Who is the least "great" person you can think of to serve? A child? a convicted felon? A homeless person? An immigrant? A Muslim? Someone black or brown?

Make yourself "last" to that person - put them "first" - and that's where greatness lies.


Holy God, thank you for the gospel - the good news - of your Son. Open my mind and heart to this good news and enliven me with your Spirit of servanthood that I might share this good news with a world in need. Amen

Engagement Question:

Who might you be asked to serve that everyone else says isn't worth serving?
 


Popular posts from this blog

But we had hoped

Now on that same day two (disciples) were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles  from Jerusalem,  and talking with each other about all these things that had happened.  While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them,  but their eyes were kept from recognizing him.  And he said to them, “What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?” They stood still, looking sad.   Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?”  He asked them, “What things?” They replied, “The things about Jesus of Nazareth,  who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people,  and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him.  But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel.  Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place.  Mo
Read more

The Gospel of Mark: The Burial of Jesus

When evening had come, and since it was the day of Preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath,  Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself waiting expectantly for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus.  Then Pilate wondered if he were already dead; and summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he had been dead for some time.  When he learned from the centurion that he was dead, he granted the body to Joseph.  Then Joseph bought a linen cloth, and taking down the body, wrapped it in the linen cloth, and laid it in a tomb that had been hewn out of the rock. He then rolled a stone against the door of the tomb.  Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where the body was laid. ~ Mark 15:42-47 Here's someone unexpected! A member of the council - the ones who sentenced Jesus to death - asking to bury Jesus. Jesus' friends have all scattered. Remember when John the Baptist died, and his disciples to
Read more

The Gospel of Mark: Friday Follow-Up

- Re-read Mark 15:6-15:39 from this week's devotions. - Read the passage again and identify a word or phrases that jump out at you. - Read the passage again, and if possible read from a different translation ( biblegateway.com  has many translations you can choose from). Identify where this passage might be touching your life today. How is this relevant to your life? - Read the passage a third time, again in a different translation if possible. Ask yourself what God is calling you to do or to be from this passage. What change might God be moving your toward? - Close with a silent prayer, listening to God rather than speaking to God. What actions will you take today based on this prayer? - Recite the Lord's Prayer.
Read more