Mark 9:33-35
33 They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the road?” 34But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest.
35 Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.”
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I find it humorous that the disciples were talking about something that they knew probably wasn’t very favorable in Jesus’ eyes. They were caught! Although Jesus doesn’t totally dislike the idea of wanting to be first in the kingdom (remember Jesus didn’t criticize them for it), He does want us to have a proper view of what it means to be first. Once again, Jesus is talking about a future in eternity, not living in the present world.
S – is there a sin to confess? Do my motives for living come out of desire to be a servant of all? Is my serving attitude completely others focused or do I do it for my own personal gain?
P – is there a promise to claim? If I want to be first in the kingdom of God, I must be willing to live as a servant of all.
A – is there an attitude to change? I must have an attitude of humility – putting others before myself.
C – is there a command to obey? Be a servant of all.
E – is there an example to follow? While not specifically in this passage, we know that Jesus provided the prefect example in this realm. He ultimately died and finished “last” in this world, but certainly resurrected to be the “first fruit” of all who believe.
P – is there a prayer to pray? None given.
E – is there an error to avoid? Don’t seek to be first in this world – meaning, don’t put yourself above other people. Stop believing you’re better than everyone else.
T – is there a truth to believe? If one wants to be first, he must be last here.
S – is there something to praise God for? I am thankful that Jesus did not get angry and rebuke the idea that they were arguing about this matter of prominence. I think Jesus’ silence on this might indicate that this is a worthy aspiration. But like many things in this world. the aspiration might be noble, but we can take the wrong path in trying to achieve it. Jesus tells us that the road to kingdom prominence is really the road less traveled, and it is a road that few are willing to crawl on. That is our calling. My prayer is that I might be willing to crawl on that road, to carry my cross, and to face the earthly consequences in order to achieve an eternal weight of glory.