The greatest

Once the disciples of Jesus were arguing among themselves as to who would be the greatest. Jesus sat down called them together and had a talk with them. He explained to them that greatness is found in serving others, and not in self-advancement. He basically told them that if they wanted to be first, they get there by being last of all and serving others. Do you know anyone who fits this model? Our society seems to be a me society and very few in our culture adhere to this command. Most of us are self-serving and want to be first in line, not last. If we study Christs life, everything He did was geared towards serving others culminating in the ultimate sacrifice of his life.

I was really ashamed of myself the other day. I had been traveling for several days and when my plane landed at my final destination, I was exhausted and ready to get home. As we stood in line to depart the plane, as luck would have it I got behind an old man who was slowly walking up the ramp using a cane to steady himself. Instead of waiting until we got into the terminal, I saw an opening and made my move to pass him on the ramp. Just as I passed him he veered into me and I accidentally bumped into him and nearly knocked him down. He muttered an expletive at me and followed with something about, everyone being in a hurry these days. My initial reaction was to tell him to get the heck out of the way that maybe he had all of the time in the world, but some people on the plane had places to go and were in a hurry. I did not say anything however, and just brushed past him and went on down towards baggage claim. As I hurried along, I began to feel really bad about it. I turned around and waited for him, and when he finally hobbled up to where I was, I walked up to him and apologized. I wish I could say he accepted it and we became friends, but he just glared at me and kept walking muttering some unprintable oaths about the younger generation..

I still feel bad about this incident to this day. Since it happened I am far more courteous towards others, opting to allow others to step ahead of me in line if they so desire. I am also trying to carry this same logic forward to other areas of my life as well. God states that we should treat others the same as we would like to be treated. If mankind could follow this one command, wars and rumors of war would cease as would all strife and contention. Treat others with respect and if you want to be first, remember you must be last and serve others…


Mark 9:35

If anyone desires to be first,

he shall be last of all and

servant to all.

How well do you know the Bible?

Jesus deserves to be served and waited on hand and foot as the King of all Kings. He stated that he did not come to this world to be served, rather to Himself serve others and to offer a ransom for many. What was the ransom?

Matt. 20:25-28


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