T H E   G R E A T E S T

Mark 10:42-44

Which of these would most people see as being greater, the driver of the team bus or the star player riding in the back?  Which would appear to be more important, the star athlete or the trainer who hands her a bottle of water?  Who would seem greater, the guest of honor at the team banquet or the person washing the dishes?  We know what most would say, but what do you think?  What would Jesus say?

We can read about Jesus’ value system in the book of Mark at chapter 10 and verses 42 through 44, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them.  Not so with you.  Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.”

While totally turning the value system of the world upside down, Jesus said that the great ones are those who serve and that the ones who want to be first must be slaves to the others.  Ouch!  That doesn’t feel good at all.

The problem is that He’s right.  The bus driver is actually more important to the trip than the one riding in the back.  The dishwasher is more important to the dinner than the guest of honor.  The trainer is often more important to the life of a team than one star player.  Each of these people takes on a servant’s role and even resembles a slave at times, in order to further the process for everyone else.

They know what many of you already know:
• Greatness comes through service of your teammates.
• Being first comes at an even higher price – self-sacrifice.

As you compete today, keep in mind that being great will come as you serve your team and that being first is a direct result of putting everyone’s needs ahead of your own.  As you do, you’ll find yourself leading in a way that is most honorable to God and to your teammates.

Bible Reading Plan:
Luke 8:26-39
Colossians 3:1-14
I Chronicles 12-14