The sports world loves to debate who is the GOAT (the greatest of all time). Everyone has their favorites. And there is no doubt that the names offered have risen to the pinnacle of their sport when they played. There must be something built into human nature that desires to rank people according to their ability, power, influence, or wealth. Jesus’ disciples fell into that habit as well.
Mark records that Jesus and the disciples were traveling to Capernaum. While going, Jesus taught them. “Then they left that place and made their way through Galilee, but he did not want anyone to know it. For he was teaching his disciples and telling them, “The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after he is killed, he will rise three days later.” But they did not understand this statement, and they were afraid to ask him.” (Mark 9:30–32, CSB)
On our side of history, Jesus’ prediction seems perfectly understandable. Why didn’t the disciples understand it, and why were they afraid to ask about it? The first question is not answered directly in the text. We can consider that their expectations for and about Jesus clouded the truth He was speaking. We do the same thing sometimes. The answer to the second question is implied in what happens next.
“They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the way?” But they were silent, because on the way they had been arguing with one another about who was the greatest.” (Mark 9:33–34, CSB)
No one wanted to be seen as less in the eyes of others by asking Jesus to clarify. They suffered from a bit of spiritual and competitive pride. Jesus popped their bubble and ours as well.
“Sitting down, he called the Twelve and said to them, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be last and servant of all.” He took a child, had him stand among them, and taking him in his arms, he said to them, “Whoever welcomes one little child such as this in my name welcomes me. And whoever welcomes me does not welcome me, but him who sent me.”(Mark 9:35–37, CSB)
Jesus turns our reality upside down. The greatest isn’t the smartest, the most powerful, the most influential, the wealthiest, or the person with the most outstanding ability. True greatness is found in serving others, especially the least. That’s why Jesus welcomed a child into their midst. A child in their very being can never be the greatest. And yet Jesus calls us to welcome children and those child-like in other ways.
Many scriptures underscore Jesus’ lesson: John 15:13, Philippians 2:5-8, and John 13:5 and following, for example. Greatness in Christ’s kingdom is not measured in reach, ability, or power but in servanthood. The real “GOAT” in the Kingdom (other than Jesus) is assuredly someone you’ve never heard of who quietly and humbly serves the least of the others. I can think of several such men and women who have been important in my walk with Jesus. Theirs is the greater reward and crown. Be like them.
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