A Call to Humility. Mark 9:33-37.
And they came to Capernaum. And when he was in the house he asked them, “What were you discussing on the way?”But they kept silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest. And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.”And he took a child and put him in the midst of them, and taking him in his arms he said to them, “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me.”
Dear Family,
The world has a way of doing things and of gauging greatness. Jesus’ standard is completely different, and the disciples themselves provide the opportunity for Jesus to teach them.
Competition (vv. 33-34). Jesus was barely done telling the disciples about his death before they started jostling for position. They are probably focused on the kingdom and thinking that Jesus will need governors. So, each wants to be at the top. The futility of such an argument should be obvious – Jesus would be the one to choose if it came to that, so winning the argument and perceiving oneself as the greatest does not get one any closer to the seat of power – but it is lost in the madness of selfish ambition. No wonder they were quiet when Jesus asked them about their argument. More is the pity when Jesus is overshadowed by selfish ambition.
Contradiction (v. 35).Jesus singles out the twelve, probably in order to show the gravity of what he is about to say, and tells them that they must stop thinking like the world around them. The values of the Kingdom are inverse of those of the world. To be first, one must take the last position. To lead, one must be a servant. This revolutionary thinking is at the heart of the Kingdom of God. Positions of power do not place one any closer to the throne of Jesus.
Comparison (vv. 36-37). Children have no illusions of greatness. They are small in stature, weak physically, not as knowledgeable as adults, and dependent on others for provision, protection, and guidance. What is more, children know this, so their dependency is not hypocritical. Jesus tells them to care for children. Charity to children and others who are like children because they are vulnerable is charity to Jesus and, ultimately, to the Father, who sent Jesus. Jesus is calling for an outward look that serves the needy. The tragedy is that an inward look that elevates the individual also blinds one to the needs of the weak and vulnerable. Which way are you looking?
Your Loving Pastor Chris.