The Path to Greatness: Humility and Service Proper 20 (2)

Introduction

In 1980, after losing his leg to cancer, Terry Fox set out on the Marathon of Hope, a cross-Canada run to raise money and awareness for cancer research. Despite facing immense physical pain and challenges, Terry's focus remained on others—on raising money to help find a cure for cancer, not on his own personal achievements. His humility is seen in how he approached this monumental task with quiet determination, refusing to let his personal suffering overshadow the larger cause he was fighting for. Terry did not complete his run, as the cancer spread and forced him to stop, but his legacy grew far beyond his original goal. What started as one man’s humble effort to make a difference has since become a national and global movement. The annual Terry Fox Run continues to raise millions of dollars for cancer research every year. Terry Fox’s greatness came not from seeking recognition or personal glory, but from his selfless dedication to helping others and serving a cause greater than himself. His humility, perseverance, and courage in the face of adversity remain an inspiring example of how service can lead to lasting greatness.

4o As Jesus travels with His disciples through Galilee, He again speaks of His coming suffering and resurrection. However, the disciples are preoccupied with a different issue—arguing about who among them is the greatest. In this moment, Jesus teaches them—and us—that greatness in the Kingdom of God is not measured by status or power but by humility and service. In today’s world, much like in the disciples’ day, people are obsessed with power, recognition, and status. But Jesus turns this worldly thinking upside down and calls us to a life rooted in humility and service. Let’s explore what this means in light of our main text and the other scriptures we will examine today.

1. Jesus’ Passion Prediction (Mark 9:30-32) Verses 30-31: Jesus predicts His betrayal, death, and resurrection for the second time.

Jesus is focused on His ultimate mission—sacrificial love demonstrated through the cross. His willingness to embrace suffering for the sake of others is the ultimate example of humility and service. True greatness involves laying down one’s life for the good of others. Jesus shows that humility is at the heart of the Kingdom’s values, a humility that willingly sacrifices for others.

Verse 32: The disciples do not understand and are afraid to ask questions.

Fear and confusion can often prevent us from embracing Jesus’ call to sacrifice. Like the disciples, we may struggle to understand what true greatness entails, especially when it involves humility and service.

Are we willing to embrace difficult truths about sacrifice and suffering? Jesus calls us to follow Him on the path of humility and self-giving love, even when we don't fully understand it.

Psalm 1 contrasts the way of the righteous with the way of the wicked. The righteous one, like Jesus, delights in God’s instruction and humbly follows God’s ways. This stands in stark contrast to the disciples’ concern with status. Humility means choosing the path of the righteous, rooted in God’s wisdom, not worldly ambition.

2. The Disciples' Debate on Greatness (Mark 9:33-34) Verse 33: While Jesus is focused on His mission of sacrifice, the disciples are caught up in an argument about who among them is the greatest. It’s easy for us, too, to become distracted by worldly standards of success—power, recognition, and superiority. But these things run contrary to the values of the Kingdom.

Verse 34: When Jesus asks them about their argument, the disciples remain silent, aware that their focus on personal status was wrong.

How often do we find ourselves prioritizing our own ambitions over serving others? How often do we measure success by how we compare to others, instead of how we serve them? Jesus calls us to examine our motives and adjust them toward humble service.

James 3:7-8a, 3:13-4:3: James teaches about the dangers of pride and selfish ambition. The unchecked desire for greatness often leads to disorder and sin. James challenges us to live with humility and peace, avoiding the jealousy and selfish ambition that divide us. Instead, we should show our wisdom through deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.

3. The Teaching on True Greatness (Mark 9:35-37) Verse 35: Jesus redefines greatness, teaching that the first must become the last and the servant of all. In God's kingdom, greatness is measured by humility and servanthood, not by rank or achievement. Jesus flips the world’s understanding of leadership and success upside down. In our daily lives, how are we seeking to serve others rather than elevating ourselves? True greatness comes when we lower ourselves to lift others up.

Verses 36-37: Jesus brings a child into their midst and uses the child as an example of humility and vulnerability.In the ancient world, children had no status or power. By highlighting a child, Jesus teaches that we must embrace a spirit of humility and simplicity.Key Point: Welcoming a child—or the least in society—is akin to welcoming Christ Himself. Jesus challenges us to see the image of God in the most vulnerable and powerless among us.

Jeremiah 11:18-20: Jeremiah experienced suffering and betrayal for speaking God's truth. Like Jesus, Jeremiah’s humility and dependence on God served as a model for faithfulness, even in the face of opposition.

4. Living Out True Greatness Practical

Serving others can be as simple as welcoming a stranger, helping the needy, or sacrificing personal ambition to care for another. The greatness we are called to in Christ is not about climbing the ladder of success but descending into humility and servanthood. James warns that selfish desires cause conflicts and division. If we desire to be great, we must let go of the selfish ambition that drives competition and strife. Instead, we should seek to be peacemakers who serve others with humility.

In a culture obsessed with status and power, how can we embody the humility of Christ in our daily interactions? Are there ways we can intentionally serve those who are overlooked and forgotten?

Conclusion In Mark 9:30-37, Jesus calls us to a radical redefinition of greatness. The path to true greatness in God's kingdom is not found in self-exaltation but in humility, servanthood, and welcoming the least of these. Jesus exemplified this by sacrificing His life for us on the cross. As we reflect on our lives, where can we let go of pride and ambition in order to serve others? Following Jesus in the way of the cross means embracing humility and service, for that is the path to true greatness in God’s kingdom.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us to follow the example of Your Son, who showed us that true greatness lies in humility and service. Give us the strength to lay aside our own desires for recognition and power, and instead, teach us to serve others with love and grace. May we welcome those who are overlooked, and may we find our greatness in serving others as You have served us. Amen.