“ And He sat down, called the Twelve, and said to them, “If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.” Mark 9:35
Jesus and His disciples had returned home to Capernaum . They had been with Jesus during some pretty heavy ministry. As they settled in, He asked what they had discussed on the road. The Twelve were embarrassed, for they had argued with one another over who among them was the greatest.
Jesus sat down and the disciples joined Him. “So, you want first place?” He asked, looking around at them, ”Then take the last place. Be servant of all.”
Jesus placed a small child in the middle of the room to stand before the grown men. He lifted and cradled the little one in His arms and said, “Whoever embraces, or receives one of these children, as I do, embraces Me.” With the child pressed against His heart, He added,” ...and far more than Me, he embraces God who sent Me.”
What message did Jesus illustrate when He selected the child as a visual aid? All who seek to be closer to God, should hear these words of Jesus to His disciples. Jesus' message was that whoever cares for those often overlooked and undervalued by others embraces true greatness. They are close to the heart of God.
Greatness requires humility: A follower of Jesus knows not to struggle to be number one, but will submit to being last. Greatness is to use one's strength to help the weak; to put other's needs before your own; to bend and lift the insignificant. We are to embrace them until they feel special to God. Greatness is to be the servant of all.
Prayer: Lord, I embrace the call to serve with love, as You do, I realize if I accept the challenge You set before me, it will draw me closer to You. Help me to consider no one insignificant. As I serve them, I embrace You. In Jesus' name. Amen