Here we have the disciples arguing over who was the greatest among them. Ah, I wonder if it would of been if it would of been different if there was a woman disciple ;)
But us guys, we tend to be competitive over some of the silliest things. Me, don't put in a board game, especially RISK. Risk brings out the worst in me, the chance to make treaties, to only break in the end. For alot of guys it's sports. You want to see fights, head to a Christian Hockey game. Once meek and mild believers revert back to some primal mentality to whack each other around. We are no different from the disciples. Competitive 'til the end.
Jesus says, that who wants to be 'first' must take last place and be the servant of everyone else. Can you imagine coaching a little league soccer team, and telling the kids "Ok, now we're going to go out there, and lose, and lose magnificently!!" Never mind how the kids would react, with disappointment already pasted on their faces, how about the Parents? Parents in a sporting event are sometimes the worst aren't they? And if a parent heard that speech, I think the coach would get some words afterwards would they?
Here is the crux of the matter, in order to be great in the kingdom of God, you must have a servant attitude. Jesus uses the example of a child, saying "Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes not only me but also my Father who sent me."
How different from the world that would tell us in order to be successful, you need to look after yourself, and your investments. You need to do whatever it takes to get ahead. To be great in life, you need a good financial portfolio, steady job, and good education.
Remember what we learned earlier? Where is our perspective? In this world or Heavenward? This is all part of that. Being a Christian means not living for self, but being a servant. Taking up our cross, and realizing that when we humble our self, and lifting up others, we lift up Christ, and the Father.
This isn't easy. I know of people who's families don't get this whole Christian thing... who don't get this whole servanthood and faithfulness lesson. "Why aren't you getting a real job? Why are you in ministry, the pay sucks!!" Thy think this way because their faith and vision are in the 'now', in this world.
Anyone can live in this world, and for this world. But God has a higher calling in our lives, and the question is do we want to listen, and follow this calling? Are we able to lay down 'self' take up our cross, and humbly serve others, knowing that our reward is not of this world, but the one being prepared for us?
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