Being First

October 17, 2024

Whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant.

Mark 10:43

Being First

I hear conversations all the time about competitiveness. It is a staple of our culture. Who wins, who loses, who is better than the next person, these are all part of our conversations. In some ways, it’s comforting to know that this competitiveness was actually always part of the human condition. This passage starts with James and John angling for the places of honor next to Jesus, and the rest of the group feeling angry that they got their request in first.

Jesus comes into the moment with what is still new information, even two thousand years later. First doesn’t look the way the people think it does. First doesn’t look like places of honor, or trophies, or winning. First looks like serving. First looks like letting go of power, and putting other people’s needs before our own. Greatness is about giving without thought to our own rewards.

It is a challenging message. It still isn’t something that would go well on a poster, or a social media reel. But, I wonder, is it possible that Jesus had it right all along?

Reflection Questions:

When have you recognized that serving made you feel full?

Have you ever tried putting winning aside? What did you notice?

Spend some time thinking about how you might choose a way to serve this week.

Prayer: Dear God, I know in my heart that serving you is a blessing. Please help me not to forget. In Jesus Name, Amen