Mark 9:30-37
30 They went on from there and passed through Galilee. And he did not want anyone to know, 31 for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him. And when he is killed, after three days he will rise.” 32 But they did not understand the saying, and were afraid to ask him.
Who Is the Greatest?
33 And they came to Capernaum. And when he was in the house he asked them, “What were you discussing on the way?” 34 But they kept silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest. 35 And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” 36 And he took a child and put him in the midst of them, and taking him in his arms, he said to them, 37 “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me.”
When the disciples were arguing about who is the greatest, perhaps it was because they were afraid that Jesus would need to be replaced as their leader. They wouldn’t ask Jesus about His very clear prediction of His death, much less about the prediction of His resurrection.
When Jesus asked them about what they were talking about on the way, they didn’t answer. Their behavior seems as if they were feeling guilty. Sinful motives and perhaps strained relationships had likely tainted their discussion. But, most of all, the disciples were so frightened by Jesus clear outline of His ministry, that they wouldn’t talk to Him. So Jesus initiated the discussion.
Jesus didn’t start by telling them not to desire to be first. That is kind of the shock. Being first, a leader, isn’t in itself sinful. In fact, Jesus would call them to be leaders in the church after His ascension. But, the disciples needed to learn what be a godly leader means. If they had listened to Jesus’ description of His ministry, they would have had a perfect example of that very thing.
So Jesus put a little child in they midst, a person who needs care in every way, and reminded them that if they were to be leaders, they would be the ones to put others first and care for them. This is what Jesus was doing. He is the first, King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Yet, He stooped down to become human and be the Savior of the World. He would give up everything, even His life by dying the cross. Jesus called all people to trust in Him for He planned to pay the debt of sin for people. Jesus rose from the dead and gives His eternal life to all people.
By the Grace of God, though faith, you are redeemed. In your baptism, Jesus calls you first. Now, He teaches us also what this means. That to be first means to be the first in Christian love and service. May we follow the example of the blessed apostles who gave their lives in sharing the Gospel throughout the world. And in the various callings of our lives, in the home, the church, and the community, may the example of our Savior Jesus be our guide.
Let us pray,
Lord Jesus I praise you for your salvation. Strengthen me that I may follow your example of love and service in my life. I ask for your blessings for those who serve in my family, my church, and my nation. Guide and direct us all according to your will and purpose. In your name I pray, Amen.
The Collect for the 17th Sunday after Pentecost
O God, whose strength is made perfect in weakness, grant us humility and childlike faith that we may please you in both will and deed; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come,Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.