Thursday, July 31, 2025  

Today's Scripture
Mark 9:33–37

Then they came to Capernaum, and when he was in the house he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the way?” But they were silent, for on the way they had argued with one another who was the greatest. He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, “Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.” Then he took a little child and put it among them, and taking it in his arms he said to them, “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me.” (NRSVUE)

Reflection

There’s a stretch of a busy road a few miles from my house that I drive by often. Each time I drive by, I get frustrated. I finally figured out why after I read this Bible passage. This stretch of road is only a few blocks long but contains numerous multimillion-dollar mansions that are all under construction. I realized I’m frustrated because these houses are like the disciples in that they are arguing among themselves about who is the greatest.

Jesus reminds the disciples that it’s not about who’s the greatest — at least not in the way as defined by the disciples. He reminds us that the definition of greatest as we see it is not the way God defines greatness. We should be looking for greatness in a totally different way. We should be looking for folks who serve their communities, folks who act with kindness and compassion. Folks who don’t draw attention to their own actions but lift up those whom they are supporting.

This Bible passage reminds me that the values of our world are not the values of God’s kingdom. The ways in which you win here are not always the same methods for success in God’s eyes.

Prayer

Divine Father, remind me that the symbols of greatness in our world are often not great at all. They are symbols of the exact opposite. Help me to recognize and emulate those who serve God’s kingdom by serving others in the most meaningful and often quiet ways. Amen. 

Written by Lisa Garay, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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