Kingdom Status

It’s easy to compare ourselves to others. It’s especially easy in a world where we can post our latest photos and status updates for everyone to see. We’re constantly confronted with other people’s promotions, amazing getaways, and adorable toddlers. Sometimes, we even feel a need to compete.

This is exactly what we find the disciples doing in Mark 9: competing. They’re arguing about which of them is the greatest. Each of them wanted status in the coming kingdom, to be just a little more special than the others. There’s a dramatic irony at work here. As the disciples are preoccupied with being the King’s right hand, we—Mark’s audience—know that the King is about to suffer and die in Jerusalem.

“If you want the place of honour,” says Jesus, “you must become a slave and serve others.” True status in God’s kingdom comes with sacrifice. Caring more about others than we care about ourselves is how we come into a deep relationship with Jesus and the Father. But in a world where we like to be the first and the best, putting ourselves last is not easy.

No one knows this better than Jesus. He is about to die on a Roman cross, all so that we could live. Now, Jesus invites us to sacrifice our lives so that others can live as well. What a challenge! But we can do this knowing that our status in the kingdom is secure. And one day, we will be with Jesus, forever enjoying his glory.

Respond in Prayer

Incomparable God, your Son embraced humility for the sake of my salvation. Rather than compare myself to others, help me to serve them with humble love so I can point people to you. In the name of the Servant-King, Amen.

Leonard Buhler