Listen

They entered Capernaum. When they had come into a house, he asked them, “What were you arguing about during the journey?” They didn’t respond, since on the way they had been debating with each other about who was the greatest.

Mark 9:33-34

Think

Well, we’re all getting called out today.

You know that moment when you’re fully unleashing unhinged wrath onto your sister or brother or your child, it really doesn’t matter who it is. You’re red faced and ridiculous. Then, someone unexpected suddenly appears—someone like your mother or a neighbor in their driveway next door. No? Never happened to you? Me neither.

The road trip to Capernaum has Jesus’ friends arguing about who is the greatest. A real debate broke out! I’m sure jabs were made. Emotions could have flared. Words punched. Then, Jesus calls them out about it. There’s nothing quite like the inserted outsider to settle the score by rendering the debate pointless. Right after this, Jesus teaches that if you want to be first you must first be the servant of all. What feels most demanding in life has a way of getting put into clear perspective when held up next to the light of Jesus.

Alisha Damron Seruyange

Question to Ponder:

We all get caught up in the middle of things. How are you fixing your eyes on Jesus in whatever you’re caught up in the middle of right now?

Pray

God, I can get puffed up in my victories just as easily as I can get blinded by my struggles. Give me the steady reminder that it is in your embrace where things can be made right.

Amen.

Go

Being great starts when we set our hearts toward the ways of God, connecting with God, and then loving the world more like God loves.