The disciples

October 1

Mark 9:33-37, Luke 9:48

The greatest and the least

While the disciples were on their way to Capernaum they got into an argument about which of them was the greatest. When they arrived in Capernaum, Jesus asked them, “What were you arguing about while we were walking along the road?”

The disciples were embarrassed and didn’t answer. Calling the twelve together, Jesus sat down and said, “If someone wants to be first he must put himself last and if he wants to be great he must be the servant of all.”

Jesus brought a child to stand in front of them and gave him a hug. Then He said, “Whoever welcomes a child welcomes Me, and whoever welcomes Me, welcomes the One who sent Me. The one who becomes the least—he is the greatest.”

If I am the least, when do I become great?

Being last and least has nothing to do with how fast you are or how young you are. No one likes being at the bottom of the pile, being last in the queue or coming last in a race. And being least definitely doesn’t mean that you are unimportant!

Jesus didn’t say to His disciples that they are the least, but that they should become the least. Becoming the least is something we choose to do—whether we happen to be the fastest or slowest, tallest or shortest, oldest or youngest.

The one who is least has a kind and humble attitude. He doesn’t think of himself as being too important to kneel down and make a child feel welcome. In God’s Kingdom, those who are greatest are the ones who see the good in others, who encourage others, and who make friends with the lonely. When you choose to put others first, you become the greatest in God’s Kingdom! 

Verse for today

All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." 1 Peter 5:5a