Daily Devotional for Saturday, October 14

Jesus Clarifies Three Subjects

“And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all. And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them, whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me,” Mark 9:35-37

“In great measure, according to the purity and perfections of the instrument, will be the success. It is not great talents God blesses so much as great likeness to Jesus. A holy minister is an awful weapon in the hand of God.”—Robert Murray McCheyne

It is human nature to strive for greatness and prominence. While the disciples were extraordinary men of faith, they still struggled among themselves for a place of prominence in Christ’s inner circle. Jesus corrected their misguided ambitions and clarified what greatness in the kingdom of God looks like: servitude and humility.

Greatness in the kingdom of man looks like gathering wealth, gaining influence and rising to positions of power. But greatness in the kingdom of God is about humility, service and lowliness. Jesus, the King of all kings, humbled Himself and became a servant to all humanity. Even though Jesus deserves all honor and glory, He made Himself of no reputation to be our Savior.

Service and sacrifice are against our sinful nature, but they are the essence of the kingdom of God. Christians fulfill God’s will when we sacrifice our life for the sake of the gospel and willingly give ourselves for His kingdom. 

JUST A THOUGHT: Christians become great in the kingdom of God through humbly serving Him wherever He leads us.

Steven Ridings