Who is the Greatest

“Jesus and his disciples went to his home in Capernaum. After they were inside the house, Jesus asked them, “What were you arguing about along the way?” They had been arguing about which one of them was the greatest, and so they did not answer. After Jesus sat down and told the twelve disciples to gather around him, he said, “If you want the place of honor, you must become a slave and serve others!” Then Jesus asked a child to stand near him. He put his arm around the child and said, “When you welcome even a child because of me, you welcome me. And when you welcome me, you welcome the one who sent me.” Mark 9:33-37 Contemporary English Version

The passage single handedly shows that Jesus knew his people, as he asked His disciples what they were arguing about. Naturally no one wanted to say, we were arguing about which one of us is the greatest. But Jesus was not about to give them the qualifications or structure for such a task, instead he kept his response simple, telling them that if they want a place of honor serve others. Jesus told them when you welcome even a child because of me you welcome me and the one who sent me. As I reflect positively on my kiddy days, I think of how carefree and worry-free days they were. All I had was to focus on was the next game to play or show to watch on the television. It was a simpler time then. Children are both impressionable and honest at the same time, and if you told them Jesus was coming to town, they believed you. And when we got a little older, all we wanted was to grow up, as I think to myself, now what was the hurry all about.

Jesus explains to his disciples, that what mattered was not who was doing the works but in whose NAME is the work being done. There is power in the name of Jesus. Did you hear me friends? I said there is power in the name of Jesus. There is Saving, healing, transforming, and restoring power in his name. Yes, use your talents, position, and influence to serve others.  Jesus is the greatest, He is: The bread of life, the light of the world, the Good Shepherd, the resurrection and the life, he is the way, the truth, the life, he is my friend, who won’t leave me lonely, he is my hope for tomorrow. He is the true vine, and like a warm blanket, I wrap him all around me. He set a sista free, and he loves me just for me. Amen.

Remember friends, we are each others’s keeper and the only time we should be looking down on someone is when we are helping them up.