And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all. — Mark 9:35 KJV
Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” — Mark 9:35 NIV
Reflection
Last? Nobody enjoys coming in last place. Even coming in second place would be a significant improvement than coming in dead last for us. Jesus puts things in the wrong order. The individual who is most significant to him is not the one who is trying to get fame and notoriety for themselves. The most significant person is someone who, like Jesus, is prepared to sacrifice their position, status, and significance in order to serve others. When it comes to serving others and standing before God, Jesus considers himself to be first.
My Prayer
Dear God, my Redeemer, you have made this world great for me and have provided your Son to save me. Thank you for all that you have done. How am I ever going to be able to thank you or repay you for the grace and generosity you have shown me? Teach me in serving others with grace and compassion. Give me the ability to perceive people the way you do, not judging them based on their outward appearance but rather respecting and treating them the way Jesus does. I pray in the name of the Lord Jesus, who washed the disciples’ feet as an example to his followers. Amen.