February 20th Devotion

Mark 9:33-35 (NIV)
33 They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, "What were you arguing about on the road?" 34 But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest. 35 Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all."

The disciples were arguing about which of them was the greatest. It kind of reminds me of today. So many ministers make claims of special gifts from God that make them great. People follow from one great preacher to the next. Some pastors have pastors under them that meet with members of the congregation, and are not available to their church members. Doesn’t that seem contrary to what Jesus told his disciples?

Church leaders should be servants to the church. The Greek words for Bishop, Elder, Pastor or Deacon, translates “as if servants waiting tables.”

Should church leaders be treated differently than Jesus? Here is what He said about Himself.

Mark 10:41-45 (NIV)
41 When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John. 42 Jesus called them together and said, "You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 43 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Love, Pastor Don