Mark 9-10 (ESV) by Wordle*

Today’s reading is Mark 9:1-10:52.

“And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, ‘If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.’ And he took a child and put him in the midst of them, and taking him in his arms, he said to them, ‘Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me’” (Mark 9:35-37).

What a shock it was to learn that the highest rank for Jesus’ disciples is servant. I naturally prefer to be served. Further, I naturally prefer to rank people. Who will benefit me the most? I will rub elbows with these people. I might even serve them a little bit if I think I can get something out of it. Why would a child ever be on that list?

But that is not Jesus. Jesus is a servant. How could I possibly benefit Him? Yet, He served me on the cross. I didn’t deserve it. I wasn’t worthy of it. He did it because He loved me.

I obviously can’t repay Jesus for His service and shouldn’t really try. But, if I want to make a return, if I want to show my gratitude, I can pass that service along to another. What is awesome is when I do receive that little child, that one who cannot help me or benefit me, I’m actually receiving Jesus and the One who sent Him.

Today, I want to serve Jesus. Therefore, I’ll serve others whether they can serve me back or not.

Keep the faith and keep reading,

ELC

PS. What struck you in today’s reading? Click here to add your input?

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*Today’s illustration was generated by the creative tool at Wordle.net. You can find all my wordles here.