The Greatest

Scripture: Mar 9:35-36 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. And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them, Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me.

Observation: Whoever wants to be the greatest, should be the least? How can this be. Jesus teachings often follow what I call "the backward principle". This scripture is perhaps the most explicit of the backward principle. Spiritual things are often backward of natural things. The spiritual and natural world fit together more like two pieces of a puzzle. Each piece of a puzzle is the mirror opposite of the other, two pieces that are the same would not fit together ... only opposite pieces fit together. And yet the two pieces to not provide a picture without each other. In the spiritual sense, a leader must be humble and must serve others. Real influence is only granted be those being lead, it cannot be taken or coerced.

Application: Do you want to be a leader at your work, at your home, in your social circle? If you are a Christian, you are called to lead. Our place is to rule and reign with Christ Jesus, and that place begins here an now. You must serve others to lead, and you must consider their needs before your own. You must give of yourself, expecting nothing in return. This is the way of Jesus, the path of the cross, laying down your life for others. That is leadership!

Prayer: Dear Jesus, let us lay down our lives for those whom you died for, daily. Let us give and expect nothing in return. I pray that I would have the strength of Jesus Christ in my daily ministry to others. Amen.