In my Bible study today, I found a great teaching from Jesus and a great example of human nature. Let's take a look:
Mark 9:33-35 NIV
[33] They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the road?” [34] But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest. [35] Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.”
The twelve apostles were walking with Jesus on the road and they were arguing back and forth about who was the greatest. I find this hilarious. THE Son of God was walking with them. The Son of God, the King of all Kings, the Lord of all Lords was walking with them, and they were arguing about who was greatest among them... Crazy? Not so much.
This is a great example of our human nature. In pride, arrogance, selfishness, or conceit, the world at large asks the exact same question today. "Who is the GOAT? The greatest of all time." We see this everywhere. We see it in sports, TV, movies, news, books, music, education, politics, among nations, investors, in business, on Wall Street, between different races and ethnic groups, etc. This is where competition comes from. This is how wars are started. This is where a lot of ugliness comes from. People all striving to answer that question or a variant of that question such as who is the richest? Who has the most awards or accolades? Who is the smartest or most talented? Who has the strongest military might or power? The list can go on and on as people compete, fight, compare themselves with others from pride, arrogance, selfishness, or greed. What a mess huh?
Jesus was so loving. He was willing to give them an answer despite their selfish musings. Through this text He gives us the answer also.
Within all of humanity, who is the greatest?
Jesus said,“Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.”
Say what? Yep you heard it right.
The greatest would be the one who is last in the eyes of the world and a servant of all mankind.
This goes against all world thinking and culture.
As a Christian, you can be the greatest when you "look out not only for your own interests, but the interests of others."
Philippians 2:3-4 NIV
[3] Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, [4] not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
Take care of yourself, but also take care of others, being a "servant of all."
Live a life serving others which is motivated by love for them, or it profits us nothing. (I. Cor. 13-1-3)
This is how we become great in the world.
This is how we store up treasures in heaven.
Matthew 6:19-21 NIV
[19] “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. [20] But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. [21] For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
How? Laying down our lives for people. This is being a "servant of all." This is what Jesus calls great, which is loving people and helping them.
1 John 3:16-18 NIV
[16] This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. [17] If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? [18] Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.
This is how we do the good works God planned for us to do.
Ephesians 2:10 NIV
[10] For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
This is how we let our "light shine before men."
This is how God is glorified.
Matthew 5:16 NIV
[16] In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
If you want to be the greatest, then you show the world who is the greatest, which is God, by your love and good deeds that help them in their lives.
Serve God by serving others with love. Jesus was the perfect example of this. He came to serve and give His life for all mankind. (Mark 10:43-45).
Be like Jesus and serve people around us in love. Why? Because we represent Jesus. Let them see Jesus in you!
I would like to encourage you to share this message with your friends, family, and colleagues. Subscribe to my blog to be notified when I add new content on here. Thanks for letting me be a part of your lives.
So cool.
Love you all,
Jeffrey Post
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