March 2, 2016:  SOAP #2281:   

Scripture:  Mark (NIV) 9:33 They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the road?” 34 But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest. 35 Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.”

Observation:   If any one understands about being a servant, surely Jesus does!  He not only taught about being a servant, He demonstrated it.  He willingly submitted Himself to the Heavenly Father’s will to serve Him.  And in so doing, He became the servant of all.  Now His position of being the greatest in the Kingdom is not just because of His being God the Son, but because He became the servant of all and willingly died to redeem sinful man.  Now He has been restored with great honor to the position He surrendered when He came to earth.

Application:  Pride calls me to strive for first place.  Jesus calls me to be last.  I may want to “rub shoulders” with those at the front, but I find such great fellowship at the back of the line—Jesus is there!   Surely if people understood about being a servant, there would be a long line awaiting the opportunity to serve!

Prayer:   Lord, what a high calling, to be your servant!  When I serve others, I find I am serving You, and that I am with you in the serving!   Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!