Mark 9:33-37

It seems these disciples were on quite an emotional roller-coaster. First, three of them had seen Jesus transfigured (literally changed right before their eyes). Then the others weren't able to cast out a demon that had kept a boy mute his entire life. Then they were taught (again) that Jesus was going to be rejected, suffer, die, and rise again.

Now Jesus calls them out. Jesus was getting away from the crowds to teach his disciples. There was urgency here, things they needed to know. But on the journey, rather than digest what Jesus was teaching, they were arguing about which one of them was the greatest. Peter, James, and John had seen Jesus transfigured. Their reaction was to let us build memorials. There was no command given to do so, and God's reaction was to simply listen and do what Jesus directed them to do.

At the base of the mountain, the focus was on we could not cast out the demon. Jesus' reaction to them? "This kind can only come out by much prayer" (read, "Yeah, I know that you can't do it. You're not strong enough. Only God can do this through you. Depend on Him").

The disciples continued to be confused by Jesus' teaching about His suffering and death. He wasn't being the Messiah they dreamed about. Jesus' teaching to them? It would be, "If anyone is to be My disciple, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me." In other words, embrace the path of suffering that Christ embraces, knowing that in the end the result is real life.

Now those same men are arguing about who was the greatest. It would take Jesus fulfilling His own teaching before they would understand. Jesus' way is the only way of any value. It is the only chance for any of humanity. Until you are ready to start denying yourself and seek to serve each other, you'll never truly be great.

Embrace and serve the little ones. Serve them, even the ones that seem the simplest. Don't get so full of yourself that you forget that God is in love with children and those who think like them. Welcome them, welcome Jesus. Welcome Jesus, welcome the fullness of God. It begins with service. It begins with embracing His path and denying our own.

How do I seek to build up self? What do I do to make myself "feel better" in life? Am I guilty of self-medicating with things of the world (TV, internet, shopping, etc.)? Or am I truly embracing the path of Jesus, taking up my cross, denying myself, and really serving the "least of these"? I am ashamed to admit how much of my life revolves around my desires and search for my happiness. Even the best of intentions get caught up in this. Even "service" is tainted with a desire to feel better about my expression of my relationship with Jesus. I'm encouraged with the knowledge that Jesus is merciful and forgiving and knows my heart. What I want Him to do today is replace it with a new one that really embraces His path for my life.

Father, walk with me each step today. Jesus, transform me completely, taking my self with its heart to the cross in Your body. Holy Spirit, baptize me today, and give me a new heart that beats with love for God and a reflex to obey and follow You. Fling laboring harvesters into Your harvest field today. Begin with me!