A new kind of greatness (Mark 9:30-37)

 

Do you care what people think of you?  I do!  In fact, when I meet people who say that they don’t give a stuff what people think about them, they tend to people who are wounded and cynical.  I would worry for you if you don’t care what people think of you.

But we can care too much.  We can be insecure, and always need approval, or we can be proud, and always demand applause.  Sometimes approval and applause become a functional god to us: they are what we look to for security and significance.

As in all things, Jesus is our example when it comes to how to live in a manner that is healthy and right.  He tells us to be willing to be the lowest, be happy to be considered last and love those who are considered the least.

Be willing to be the lowest

For the second time in Mark’s gospel we see Jesus foretell His death and resurrection.  The disciples hear what He says and yet they do not understand.  However, their ignorance is culpable.  They are afraid to ask Jesus.  They don’t want to know.  They fear the implications of His death for their lives.  Instead, they busy themselves arguing who is the greatest among them.

In going to the cross Jesus is willing to take the lowest place.  A Roman citizen could not be crucified.  In polite company you would not talk about crucifixion.  Crucifixion was for the worst of criminals.  It involves being mocked, spat on and stripped naked.  Jesus endured such shame for us.  He also sets us an example.

The example is picked up by the apostle Paul in his letter to the Philippians (2:3-5).  We are to have the mind of Christ.  We are to see His example, and so think of others as being more important than ourselves.  We are to be willing to take the lowest place.

Be happy with the last place

How do you take criticism?  How do you feel when no-one notices the good you have done?  How do you react when people overlook you for a position? 

Jesus sat down.  That was the traditional posture for a rabbi when teaching.  He tells the disciples that anyone who wants to become first must be servant of all.  This was long before the notion of ‘servant leadership’.  He is talking of being willing to be genuinely humble. 

I struggle with my mental health, and so I try to do some Cogitative Behaviour Therapy.  In CBT you try to replace negative thoughts with true thoughts.  So, let’s do some thinking.  Negative thoughts tell us that no one notices what I do, true thoughts counters this by reminding me that God delights in every good we do (even though our best deeds are tainted with selfishness).  Negative thoughts say that no one thanked me, true thought responds that our Heavenly Father notices every kindness.  Negative though reminds us that we do not like serving, true thought shows us the beauty of Christ’s service.

Encouragement and affirmation are good things.  Look at how the apostle Paul encourages people in his letters, however we must not depend on being noticed.

Love those in the least place

Then Jesus take a child in His arms.  You learn a lot by how children feel around people.  Jesus was a secure and safe adult who valued children.

You must realise that in those days, children were not idolised the way they are in our society.  They were considered insignificant, and were a picture of helplessness.   Jesus’ embrace of children reminds us of His embrace of us.  You had nothing to offer, but He cherishes you.  We are to follow this example picks up on this attitude and we must not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position, not be conceited (Rom. 12:16).

Jesus does not care about who is good to be seen with.  He knows nothing of an ‘in’ crowd.  Words like geek and nerd are not a part of His vocabulary.

Conclusion

How do we change?  How do we go from being self-conscious to considering others more important than ourselves?  How do we move from demanding applause to turning attention away from ourselves?  How do we gladly surrender the fight for position?

I think there is only one way to change.  That is to behold Jesus (2 Cor. 3:15).  Gaze at the person and work of Jesus and ask the Holy Spirit to make you like Him.  Then we should be willing to make ourselves low, happily be among the last and love the least.