The Greatest

READ

Walking along the dusty road to Capernaum, Jesus' disciples engaged in what they thought was a private debate – who among them was the greatest? When Jesus questioned them about their conversation, their embarrassed silence spoke volumes. 

Let’s take a moment to read Mark 9:30-50:

They left that place and passed through Galilee. Jesus did not want anyone to know where they were, because he was teaching his disciples. He said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise.” But they did not understand what he meant and were afraid to ask him about it.

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.”

“Teacher,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us.”

“Do not stop him,” Jesus said. “For no one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, for whoever is not against us is for us. Truly I tell you, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to the Messiah will certainly not lose their reward.

“If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them if a large millstone were hung around their neck and they were thrown into the sea. If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out. And if your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than to have two feet and be thrown into hell. And if your eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell, where “‘the worms that eat them do not die, and the fire is not quenched. Everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with each other.”

REFLECT

After witnessing spectacular miracles and receiving privileged teachings, they had somehow missed the heart of Jesus' kingdom, focusing instead on personal status and recognition. Jesus' response revolutionizes our understanding of greatness. Taking a child in his arms – someone who held no social status or power in ancient society – He delivers one of His most counter-cultural teachings. Kingdom greatness means choosing the lowest position, serving those who can offer nothing in return. Such radical redefinition confronts our own ambitions and desires for recognition. Moving beyond status, Jesus addresses the serious matter of causing others to stumble. His words about millstones and self-amputation sound shocking to modern ears, but they underscore an essential truth: nothing – not personal advantage, comfort, or achievement – matters more than protecting the spiritual well-being of others, especially those young in faith.

Salt and peace become powerful metaphors in Jesus' teaching. Like salt that preserves and flavors, disciples must maintain their distinctive character. Peace between believers proves essential – not a passive absence of conflict, but an active commitment to unity. When ambition and competition threaten relationships, Jesus calls His followers to examine their hearts and priorities.

Perhaps most striking is how Jesus links true greatness with sacrificial service. While the disciples imagined greatness in terms of authority and recognition, Jesus painted a picture of greatness that involves putting others first, protecting the vulnerable, and maintaining peace even at personal cost. Modern leadership books might promise paths to influence and impact, but Jesus offers a radically different vision. When we find ourselves jockeying for position or recognition, even in subtle ways, Jesus' words challenge us to reconsider. What if true greatness means choosing to serve without recognition? What if leadership means protecting others' faith rather than promoting our own agenda?

Jesus' warnings about hell and judgment remind us that these teachings aren't mere suggestions for better living – they cut to the heart of discipleship. His serious tone underscores that how we treat others, especially those considered least important, reveals our true spiritual condition. In our influence-obsessed culture, such teachings call us to radical reorientation. Every believer faces the tension between worldly definitions of success and Jesus' kingdom values. The disciples' argument about greatness mirrors our own struggles with pride, recognition, and status. Yet Jesus patiently redirects our ambitions, showing that true greatness lies not in rising above others but in serving beneath them.

RESPOND

Take a moment to process what God might be leading you to do in light of what you read.

• In what areas of your life do you find yourself competing for recognition or status, even subtly? How might Jesus' definition of greatness challenge those ambitions?

REST

Take a moment to rest in God’s presence and consider one thing you can take away from your time reading, then close your devotional experience by praying:

Lord Jesus, forgive me for the times I've sought greatness in all the wrong places. Reshape my heart to find joy in serving others, especially those who can offer nothing in return. Help me to be salt and peace in my relationships, valuing unity above personal recognition. Give me courage to live counter-culturally for Your kingdom's sake. Amen.