“Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” (Mark 9:35)

     The disciples had been arguing about who among them would be the greatest.  Jesus took their argument and told them what their attitude should be—to put others before themselves and to take on the role of a servant. 

     This ran counter to their thinking, but Jesus was setting the example.  “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45) Jesus did not fit the role of so many of the kings and leaders before and after him.  Kings and other types of leaders may receive high acclaim, but they come and go.  Jesus laid down his life for us, and his kingdom lasts forever.  If we want to follow in Jesus’ footsteps, our concerns are not centered around ourselves, but to strive towards meeting the physical and spiritual needs of others.  Our concern is not who is considered better or first in the kingdom of God.  We have enough selfishness taking place in the world, but we can help to change it by looking outside of ourselves, doing the things that matter the most.

Prayer: Dear Lord, we see a world which is so misguided.  We pray that our light will shine before others, showing people the way which leads to life, and life eternally.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.