Mark 9:30-37 (NRSV)
Read Mark 9:30-37 on biblegateway.com
Verse 33Then they came to Capernaum; and when he was in the house he asked them, "What were you arguing about on the way?"
Verse 34But they were silent, for on the way they had argued with one another who was the greatest.
Verse 35He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, "Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all."
Verse 36Then he took a little child and put it among them; and taking it in his arms, he said to them,
Verse 37"Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me."
Devotion
Jesus says, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” Jesus sets a child in midst of the disciples and then takes the child into his arms.
Why does Jesus illustrate his point about serving with a child? Perhaps because Jesus realized what every parent already knows: that there is very little appreciation, fame or recognition for serving a child. They don’t make a big deal out of the fact that you pour your life out for them. In that way, children show that serving is to be done not for personal gain but solely for the sake of the other.
Who are the “children” we can serve – those who cannot make a big deal out of how wonderful we are? It is in serving them that Christ-like service is offered.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, how often we want to serve others so that we can receive recognition and appreciation. Help us to serve even those who take such service for granted and in so doing reflect your humble, sacrificial love. Amen.