An argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest.
What is it in human nature that fuels the desire to be number one?
Security? Being Number One seems to offer the possibility of controlling events that contribute to personal welfare and comfort.
Pride? A Numero Uno mindset finds a home with the sin of self-absorption.
Competitiveness? Only First Place will satisfy this spirit.
Whatever prompts His student’s arguments about who is the greatest, becoming more like the Teacher is the way out.
Jesus then calls a child to stand near Him.
Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For he who is least among you all—he is the greatest.
Welcoming a child. Serving children. Doesn’t seem like the way to greatness. But it is Jesus’ way.
The Teacher became the servant of all. And He still calls His students today to replace the Number One Syndrome with humility and service to others.
In God’s world, the way to number one is to become last…least!
The answer to their qustion about becoming great was to serve a child.
ReplyDeleteKind of ironic...
Right before their self centered argument they were doing what? Not having enough faith - to throw a demon - out of a child.
Hadn't they seen Jesus do great miracles already? Hadn't they been able to heal people already (see Lk 9:6)Yet they lackd faith.
But so do we. We know of Jesus and the incredible things he has done, and can do in peoples lives, ven today. But do we really believe that God's spirit is within us and that He can still do immeasurably more than all we could ask or imagine according to His power that is at work within us (eph 3:20)
Maybe we can't throw out evil spirits today... but what are we not getting accomplished in God's Kingdom because of our lack of faith?