What Were You Arguing About?

Context

Jesus and the disciples are walking towards Capernaum. Likely the disciples are following behind Jesus as no good student would walk in front of their rabbi. And their arose an argument about who was the greatest in their midst; this argument is likely spurred from the earlier happenings in chapter 9- the transfiguration. Jesus had taken Peter, James, and John up on the mountain and they had seen him transfigured.

I wonder if the disciples had any clue that Jesus had heard them arguing and bickering; how embarrassed do you think they were when he asked?

But Jesus’ response to them really tells a particular kind of story, and it brings a few things to light for us today.

The Upside Down Values of the Kingdom of God

It’s interested when we compare what Jesus is saying in the passage just before this argument starts and the content of the disciples argument.

Mark 9:30–32 “They went on from there and passed through Galilee. And he did not want anyone to know, for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him. And when he is killed, after three days he will rise.” But they did not understand the saying, and were afraid to ask him.”

Jesus has literally just gotten done telling his followers about how he will die and rise from the dead. His words foretell of his own submission to death and laying down his power to save the world. In Philippians 2:8 “And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”

Jesus is talking about laying down his life; and the disciples are talking about gaining status and favor. Very different priorities and values, right?

Jesus tells them that if they want to be great in the Kingdom of God they must become last and a servant of all.

Being last takes sacrifice, especially in the me-first world we live in. Recently I had to ride a bus across a very large city and the bus was absolutely packed- no seats, standing room only. And there were 2 people on this bus that really caught my attention.

First, there was the man in the doorway. He literally stood in the doorway of the bus head down staring into his phone taking up at least half of the doorway and never looked up; refusing to move for anyone getting on or off the bus; every person had to squeeze in by him and whenever someone would brush against his his entire demeanor would get more and more annoyed and frustrated; but he never moved.

The second was a woman in the midst of the standing crowd. She had planted her feet in the aisle and was tightly holding the grab rail and exclaimed multiple times- I ain’t moving! I ain’t moving! Mind you, no one had asked her to move- she was just letting everyone know- do not even think about asking me to give up my position for you!

Both of these individuals personify the current human condition of the world around us- look out for #1; don’t let anyone take advantage of you; and don’t let go of anything that is yours.

But Jesus’ call is for us to do the exact opposite; instead of planting our feet firm; we are to kneel and wash the feet of others.

Accepting a Child

Let’s face it; even many acts of service that are done in the world today are done to gain power and influence. Celebs who are looking for photo opps and public perception boosts. They give; but make sure there is a picture, a news article, and a social media post to boost their public persona.

The church is not above this either! How many things in churches all over the world have plaques with people’s names all over them? How many people serve on committees and teams, not because they want to be used by Christ, but to gain power or status in the church.

Jesus then brings a child forth and presents them as a model for us to follow. Why?

A child has no power and no influence; none of these things matter to a kid. A child cannot repay you for your efforts, and cannot give you anything in return. The child that Jesus puts up on his lap is the ultimate sign of vulnerability.

Remember Jesus’ words to us about caring for the most vulnerable?

Matthew 25:34–40 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’”

The way that we serve and love the least is the way we will be known as Christ followers and we know we will reap a reward.

You wont take status with you

Here’s the truth of the matter. When it’s all said and done most of the things that the world chases will not follow you to Heaven. The power, the status, the prestige, all the things that the world seems to say we need more of, those things are not going to matter- not one lick.

We are told in Revelation 21 that if our names are written in the Lambs book of life we will be welcomed into Heaven. What is it that get’s us in- our name. Not our resume, not our accolades, not our awards. Funny isn’t it; there is nothing in the Bible that tells us that along side our names goes Dr or MBA or RNA or anything like that.

Michael Phelps, 23 time gold medalist- just his name

Michael Jordan, 7 time world champion- just his name

John Barden, 2 time Nobel Prize winner- just his name

Elon Musk, richest man in the USA- just his name

YoungHoon Kim, the most intelligent man in the world- just his name.

Lord, help me to live from day to day

In such a self-forgetful way

That even when I kneel to pray

My prayer shall be for others.

Help me in all the work I do

To ever be sincere and true

And know that all I’d do for you

Must needs be done for others.

Let "self" be crucified and slain

And buried deep, and all in vain

May efforts be to rise again

Unless to live for others.

And when my work on earth is done

And my new work in heaven’s begun

May I forget the crown I’ve won

While thinking still of others.

Others, Lord, yes, others

Let this my motto be,

Help me to live for others

That I may live like Thee.

TRUE SERVICE Self-righteous service comes through human effort. True service comes from a relationship with the divine Other deep inside. Self-righteous service is impressed with the “big deal.” True service finds it almost impossible to distinguish the small from the large service. Self-righteous service requires external rewards. True service rests contented in hiddenness. Self-righteous service is highly concerned about results. True service is free of the need to calculate results. Self-righteous service picks and chooses whom to serve. True service is indiscriminate in its ministry. Self-righteous service is affected by moods and whims. True service ministers simply and faithfully because there is a need. Self-righteous service is temporary. True service is a lifestyle. Self-righteous service is without sensitivity. It insists on meeting the need even when to do so would be destructive. True service can withhold the service as freely as perform it. Self-righteous service fractures community. True service, on the other hand, builds community. SOURCE: Richard Foster, Celebration of Discipline, "The Discipline of Service."