[Jesus] asked [the disciples], "What were you arguing about on the road?"
But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest. — Mark 9:33-34
Humility 101. I like the disciples. They argue about what we would probably argue about if we dared say what was in our hearts.
I think it’s interesting that Jesus responded to this by taking a little child into His arms. I have four children. Believe me, children argue about who is the greatest. It seems like kids are competing for market share (of their parents’ love and affection) from the moment they clear the womb.
But what does Jesus do? He welcomes the little child and teaches us to do the same. He embraces the disciples who are still competing for attention, status and power. The key to greatness, He explains, is to love and serve the one who thinks he’s greater than you.
Do you catch what Jesus is doing? He meets their need for approval by showing them that even the smallest child is welcomed by God. He even shows them how to get what they want … greatness. And, in the process, he turns competition into servanthood, replacing jealousy in relationships with love.
It’s good to know that we can bring anything that’s in our hearts to God and He will turn it around into something wonderful.
Be encouraged!
Dwight
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Visit DwightClough.com for more information. Dwight and his wife Kim are active members of Lake City Church in Madison.