Mark 9:30-37 (NRSV)
Read Mark 9:30-37 on biblegateway.com
Verse 33Then they came to Capernaum; and when he was in the house he asked them, "What were you arguing about on the way?"
Verse 34But they were silent, for on the way they had argued with one another who was the greatest.
Verse 35He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, "Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all."
Verse 36Then he took a little child and put it among them; and taking it in his arms, he said to them,
Verse 37"Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me."
Devotion
When Jesus asks his disciples what they were arguing about, they refuse to answer. Were they too embarrassed? Did they realize they had been wrapped up in worldly concerns instead of listening to what Jesus had to say? Are we any different? When we meet up with someone we often ask, “How are You?” Frequently the answer is, “Busy.” In many ways comparing how busy we are has become the modern-day equivalent of arguing over who is greatest.
Using a child as an object lesson, Jesus explains to his disciples that the true measure of status in the kingdom of God is to be powerless and vulnerable like a child. Jesus is introducing huge changes that define how his followers will live in the world. He is helping us understand that when the focus of our lives is on serving the helpless and weak, we will no longer need to strive for position and influence.
Prayer
Teaching God, help me learn to live and serve in the way that lets others know your love. Amen.
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