Then they began to argue among themselves about who would be the greatest among them. Jesus told them, “in this world the kings and great men  lord it over their people, yet they are called friends of the people. But among you it will be different. Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant. Who is more important, the one who sits at the table or the one who serves? The one who one sits at the table of course. But not here! For I am among you as one who serves.” Luke 22:24-27 NLT

Often I have read this passage and thought, “Why would they ask Jesus such a thing? Why would they discuss who is more important? It seemed rather prideful to me.” But as I read this passage again today, I was humbled.

How often do I ask this question? Maybe not in words but actions. Somedays I work in my house and move like I am some important, humble wife and mother. I am serving. Daily tasks for others yet my heart- my heart cries for attention. “Ooo, look at me! I am doing all this for others. I am serving my family. I am a good wife. I should get the ‘royal treatment’ tonight.”

I am the disciples sitting at the table with Jesus asking the same question. Am I the greatest?

I am reminded today. “The first shall be last and the last first.” Jesus, God as a man, He is the greatest yet He served, humbly. He did not ask for recognition. He did not demand praise. He simply loved, spoke truth.

After healing the sick He did not demand that they run and tell all. Quite the opposite. Mark 1:43-44 Then Jesus sent him on his way with a stern warning: “Don’t tell anyone about this…” NLT

As I serve today. Give of myself I choose to let go. Let love in and pride and competition out. I make meals and clean the house not because I need praise, not to be the greatest. I serve because my Savior served. I serve because of Love.

I am seen. I am known by my God.  And that is enough. No one else has to seat me at a royal table.

 

Mark 10:43-45 “But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” NLT

Mark 9:35 …”Whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else.” NLT