In today’s Gospel, Jesus hears his disciples arguing along the journey. They were arguing about who would be first in God’s kingdom. He reminds them that the one who is a servant of all will be first. Jesus reminds his disciples that they were chosen to preach, teach, and drive out demons.
At the heart of discipleship is service not status or honor. For some reason, Jesus’ disciples did not understand that service to the least was essential to Jesus’ ministry. The disciples were being led to seek and find the “narrow way” of faith. As Jesus began to tell them of his suffering, death, and resurrection, they became quiet. They probably began to ask themselves if this is the cost of discipleship. He reminds them and us that the root of most conflicts is selfish ambitions within us. The disciples thought that discipleship was going to lead them to receive honor, power, and status in the community.
Jesus is inviting his disciples and us to share in spiritual greatness. As we serve others and our families, we share in this greatness. Our ambitions, priorities, our reputations, infighting, gossips, indifference, hatred, and jealousy can get in the way of our authentic service to God’s people. We are called to live humble lives of service. All people are invited to share in salvation. How does our service in Jesus’ name express itself? Do we expect a reward for our service of God’s people?
It is very easy to get caught up in selfish ambitions and seeking to make our way the same as God’s way. The message of the Gospel today is that we must focus on something other ourselves to be great in God’s kingdom. An African-American hymn says, “what a blessing to be here in the service of the Lord.” When serving others rather than seeking to be served, we model the way Christ serves.