The Greatest
Devotional
As humans, we all desire to be great! However, what ends up happening overtime is that our desire to be great ends up becoming corrupted by sin. In this lesson, we learn how to push back against that corruption and rediscover the greatness that Jesus calls us to.
30 They left that place and passed through Galilee. Jesus did not want anyone to know where they were, 31 because he was teaching his disciples. He said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise.” 32 But they did not understand what he meant and were afraid to ask him about it. 33 They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the road?” 34 But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest. 35 Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” 36 He took a little child whom he placed among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, 37 “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.”
MARK 9:30-37
Questions:
- What do you gather from how the disciples responded to Jesus’ statement in verse 32?
- Is there anything about Jesus’ ministry that confuses you or makes you afraid? If yes, explain.
- What would you say are some godly ways to deal with confusion and fear?
- The disciples were arguing about who’s the greatest in verse 34. How are you most tempted to exalt yourself above others?
- Jesus’ defined greatness as service to all. How would you describe your service to others right now?
- Are there people in your life that God is calling you to serve and open your arms to? Please explain.
Practice The Way of Jesus:
Through this passage Jesus is calling us to put others ahead of ourselves rather than put ourselves ahead of others. Are there people in your life that God is calling you to put ahead of yourself? This week, consider sharing with someone in this group about the struggles you face in loving and serving others. Seek to serve in the area where you are most tempted to avoid.