You're The Last In Line

Photo courtesy: Packrat Comics

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, “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

Applying Rick Warren’s 40DITW (40 Days in the Word), Probe It with S.P.A.C.E.P.E.T.S. for this study verse is a challenge and a good exercise.

Is there a SIN to confess?

Like the disciples, most of us are focused on attaining personal success, becoming to be always at the top.  Pride keeps us having selfish ambition. Wrong motives arise for wanting to be always the first or the greatest.

Is there a PROMISE to claim?

In this verse, Jesus said that whoever welcomes one of these little children, welcomes Him; and whoever welcomes Him welcomes God.

Is there an ATTITUDE to change?

Putting ourselves first before others make us proud and ambitious.  We overvalue ourselves resulting to being proud.  We should ask God to help us in our struggle and change our attitude of being selfish and proud, consciously and unconsciously, to being selfless and humble just like Jesus.

Is there a COMMAND to obey?

Jesus said, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.”  Service is the key and the command of Jesus.

Is there an EXAMPLE to follow?

Jesus is the perfect example for all of us to follow – He is the Son of God, but He came down to earth not to be served but to serve.

Is there a PRAYER to pray?

Father God, teach us to be more like Your Son, Jesus.  To be selfless and to value others more than ourselves; to let go of pride, and to embrace service to men – just like Jesus.

Is there an ERROR to avoid?

It is a mistake to compare ourselves with others.  It is a mistake to ask or even argue who the greatest is, for only Jesus is the greatest.

Is there a TRUTH to believe?

Two points that Jesus stressed: [1] “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all,” and [2] “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”

Is there SOMETHING to praise God for?

Thank You, God, for showing us the right way, the right attitude, and the truth of living.  Thank You, God, for Jesus for showing us the way and the truth.  I praise You, God, for Your promises and for Your unending love for us.  And thank You, God, for welcoming and for saving us, sinners, through Your Son, Jesus, and we are now made righteous in Jesus.  This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen!

[Journal entry: March 5, 2012]