Our devotions this Lenten season have been written by members of Faith Lutheran Church. Today’s devotion is by Wendy Farner. Also, if you would like to join our staff in praying the liturgy for Responsive Prayer/Suffrages just click here.
He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, “Whoever wants to be the first must be last of all and servant of all.” Mark 9:35
Jesus is talking to his disciples after they have been arguing over who is the greatest among them. Jesus approaches this question so differently than we expect.
Our human tendency is to try and position ourselves for ranking and earthly superiority, always trying to “be first.” But here, Jesus tells us to do just the opposite – to be last, and also the servant of all.
Jesus tells us that He does not value the powerful in society, but those who are humble and approach life in service to others.
He teaches us that in our faith communities, we should strive to welcome everyone, even those who might be considered the least in society. People who would normally be shunned by the world should know that they belong at Faith, and in fact have a place of honor among us.
We should humble ourselves to be of service to others, which is exactly what Jesus himself did.
Let us pray: Dear Lord, Please help us to welcome everyone with open hearts. Thank you for teaching us that no one should be judged or ranked, and that we should all be servants to one another. Guide us so that we can follow you in serving the least among us. In your name we pray, Amen.
Daily Devotions 
March 26, 2012 at 3:13 pm |
Wonderful. Thanks, Wendy.