Mark 9: 30 – 37 v 35 “He sat down, called the twelve disciples over to Him, and said,” Whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else.”
Jesus wanted to spend more time with and teaching His disciples. He prophesied to them about His own death, but they did not understand. He sat down, called the twelve disciples over to Him, and said,” Whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else” Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me, and my Father who sent me.
We know the rest of the story and understand that Jesus laid down His life for us, but it still seems odd to me that Jesus was talking about His death and His love at the same time. Being a servant and a saviour. First and Last. Extreme ends of two concepts. Death and life. The more life I live the more contrasts I see, from one extreme to another. The birth of a grandchild and the death of a mother. The growing and excitement of youth and the losses and depression as we age. Like the disciples at this point in time they did not understand, we do not have answers for all life’s ups and downs, or do we? Jesus took a child in His arms and said “Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me and my Father. “
Simple really. Open your arms to those around you with love. Humbly serve and take last place. These are the words of our Lord Jesus Christ!
Prayer: Heavenly Father we thank you for your Son, Jesus Christ who showed us how to simply love like a child the world, who sat down to be with and teach those He loved. Give us the heart of Christ to serve those precious to you. Amen.
CrossWalk 