A Serving Leadership Insight from the Life of Jesus Christ (Mark 9:33-37)

“They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, ‘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, ‘Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.’ He took a little child whom he placed among them. Taking the child 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)

In Mark 9:33–37 Jesus confronted the disciples on their argument about who was the greatest. Calling them together he announced, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” Jesus then proceeded to take a young child in his arms and concluded, “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.” Everyone is seeking significance. Some attempt to procure it through positions of influence or by manipulating environments to promote themselves. However, climbing the ladder of success through self-promotion and self-advancement proves to be empty and dissatisfying. Choose rather to go last and seek to serve. Invest in those who cannot give back. In this, you will discover the way of Christ whose greatest joy and fulfillment was achieved by denying self and serving others.

KEY QUESTIONS: How am I currently seeking significance? What are some practical ways in which I might choose to be last—servant of all? Why are Jesus’ remarks about a small child significant in light of this context? Who are some people I can invest in who are unable to give back?