An argument arose among them as to which of them was the greatest. But Jesus, knowing the reasoning of their hearts, took a child and put him by his side and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. For he who is least among you all is the one who is great.”

Luke 9: 46-48

Over the years, I’ve observed to Patrina on a number of occasions that adults rarely escape the social trappings of high school. People still form cliques, position themselves to be popular or successful, and participate in all the associated drama of our teenage years, even when we’re in our 30’s, 40’s, 50’s…and I’m quite sure it extends well into old age (I’ll let you know when I get there).

Imagine how ridiculous twelve grown men looked arguing among themselves as to who was more popular with Jesus and would achieve a higher position of honor with the Messiah.

On one occasion, the mother of James and John made her pitch on behalf of her sons-

Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came up to him with her sons, and kneeling before him she asked him for something. And he said to her, “What do you want?” She said to him, “Say that these two sons of mine are to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom.”

Matthew 20:20-21

In the passage above, Jesus uses a small child to illustrate the humble nature of the Gospel, reminding his closest disciples that he “who is least among you all is the one who is great.”

In another passage, Jesus illustrates the point of servant leadership –

“You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Mark 10:42-45

Let’s resist the urge to jockey for position and look for ways to serve others.