Servant of All

Did the disciples of Jesus just not hear, or want to hear, what he was saying? He told them that he was going to be killed. But they didn’t understand him, and were afraid to ask what he meant.

In fact, as they walk along they have a strange conversation, asking each other who was greatest among them. This attitude, “I’m the best, and I deserve to be the best”, can infect any of us, our groups, or, our churches.

This is what James is warning against: “jealousy and selfish ambition.” Once this spiritual disease comes into a community, everyone suffers. This is the source of wars and conflicts. James suggests solutions. Wisdom and righteousness are “gifts from above”, given to us when we ask God to lead and guide us.

Back to the disciples. Jesus shows them what James writes about. Holding a child in his arms, he gives them a model of what a disciple should look like. We are called to be innocent, pure, and trusting in God to provide. God will give us wisdom, righteousness, and even peace.

Jesus also tells us that we should strive to be first, by accepting his invitation to be “last of all and the servant of all”. When we say yes to taking the last place, Jesus will give us the strength we need to choose, and to keep choosing, others ahead of ourselves. Then we will be truly great in God’s eyes, and let others see who Jesus is.

• Have you ever dealt with fighting and conflict?
• Why is it hard to put others ahead of yourself?
• Have you ever known someone who was a great leader because they were willing to serve?
• What attitude do you need God to help you with?