They came to Capernaum. When [Jesus] was in the house, he asked [his disciples], “What were you arguing about on the road?” But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest.

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.”

He took a little child and had him stand among them. Taking him in his arms, he said to them, “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.” (Mark 9:33-37, NIV)

Jesus, You had set Your face to go to Jerusalem. You had explained to Your disciples that You would be handed over to Your enemies to suffer and die. You called them to take up their own crosses and follow You there.

And in the next breath, what are they doing? Arguing among themselves about who would be the greatest. You had called them to suffer. All they could think about was basking in glory. You had called them to be servants. They still dreamed of being prime minister.

Lord, too often I’m as dull as they. I dream of greatness, not service.

Such foolish pride is so persistent. But I find it melts away as I look to You and love others.

Lord Jesus, fill my life with those. Teach me to look to You constantly through the day. Help me to forget about doing “great things” and instead simply show love to those around me.

Listen and sing:
Hymn: Not Greatness, but Sacrifice
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