Mega-JOY-normous

Working Christmas Eve

I’m not sure there’s anybody who loves the idea of working Christmas Eve. Oh, I’m sure there are a few of you out there. But I’ll be honest, I’ve always had a sense of dread waiting on the holiday schedule to come out.

The only thing worse might be pulling the overnight shift. Outside. With livestock. That’s exactly the scene we see in chapter two of Luke’s bio of Jesus (Lk 2:8-11). A group of smelly shepherds pulling an all-nighter with a flock of equally smelly sheep.

One thing they have going in their favor that night is they have no clue that it’s Christmas Eve. That will change soon enough. For the moment, they’re just doing their job, caring for the herd.

Down in Town 

The good doctor paints a picture of the scene that silent night. “And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night” (v8). That little phrase which starts the verse, “and in the same region,” connects what’s about to happen with what just went down in town.

What these dudes don’t realize is not far from them are an unmarried teenage girl and her carpenter fiancé have just given birth to a Baby (Lk 2:6-7). Why would they know? Why would they even care? I mean, they’ve got a job to do. Running off to a baby shower in the middle of their shift is NOT part of the job description!

Not Easily Scared

Just who are these guys anyway? Most of us have a picture in our heads of shepherds as wimpy and weak. For years, I saw them sorta like sandal-wearing hippies hanging out at Woodstock.

Wrong. Think cowboys. They spend most of their lives outside, protecting the rams, ewes, and lambs from sneak attacks by predators like wolves, mountain lions, and bears (oh my!). And they’ve got mad ninja skills with those shepherd crooks.

In other words, this bunch isn’t easily scared. They’ve seen it all. Well, until tonight. That’s all about to change.

A Heavenly Ambush

Luke then tells us about what can only be described as a heavenly ambush. “And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear” (v9).

When God’s messenger suddenly shows up, the Lord’s glory floods the blackness of night with the brightest of light! Imagine your eyes adjusting to seeing in the dark when out of nowhere you’re hit with the most dazzling brilliance. You can bet these boys are seeing spots and rubbing their peepers.

In the Sky or Eye to Eye?

I don’t know about you but I’ve always pictured the angel as hovering in the night sky above the shepherds. But the truth is, there’s absolutely nothing in the original text to suggest that.

The author simply says the angel makes his appearance to them. And yes, I did say “his” appearance. The Greek word for “angel” (Gr. αγγελος/aggelos) is a masculine noun. The only named angels are Gabriel and Michael. Sorry if that blows your angelic stereotype.

While Scripture does say angels have wings and can fly (Ex 25:20; Ezek 10:5-21; Is 6:2, 6), there’s every possibility that this angel is simply standing in the middle of the boys. Not hovering. Face-to-face. Eye-to-eye.

Afraid with Mega-Fear

We then read what I think might be one of the great understatements in history. “And they were filled with great fear” (v9). This divine sneak attack has these rough, tough herdsmen suddenly shaking in their sandals!

Luke goes out of his way to make sure we know these are totally freaking out. You can easily translate the original text here (Gr. ‘εφοβηθησαν φοβον μεγαν/‘ephobethesan phobon megan) as “they were afraid with mega-fear!”

While we don’t know exactly how many shepherds there are, we do know that there’s only one angel. Apparently the intimidating presence of this messenger from God flying solo has the herdsmen totally outnumbered.

Take a Deep Breath

The angel does his best to calm things down. Before they do anything rash, he has something to say. “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people” (v10).

Calm down, boys. Let’s all take a deep breath and take it down from Defcon 1. The divine being says to the shepherds that there’s no reason to be afraid…ESPECIALLY not now!

Sound Familiar?

“Fear not” (v10). Sound familiar? Well, it should. We see God remind us to do just that on just about every page of Scripture. It’s all over both the Old and New Testament documents. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be anxious. Don’t worry.

It’s there in the beginning. In the prophets. In songs. In wisdom literature. Gospels? Yup.  Letters to various churches. Encouragement to pastors and the followers of Jesus.

We’re Gonna Need These

Here’s just a few of my “no fear” faves…

• Genesis 46:3
• Deuteronomy 3:22
• Deuteronomy 31:6
• Joshua 1:9
• Psalm 23:4
• Psalm 27:1
• Psalm 34:4-7
• Psalm 56:3-4
• Psalm 118:6-7
• Proverbs 29:25
• Isaiah 35:4
• Isaiah 41:10-14
• Isaiah 43:1
• Matthew 6:25-34
• Mark 4:39-40
• Mark 5:36
• Mark 6:50
• Luke 12:22-26
• John 14:27
• Philippians 4:6-7
• 2Timothy 1:7
• 1Peter 3:14
• 1Peter 5:6-7
• 1John 4:18
• Revelation 1:17

Can I make a suggestion? Bookmark them. Put them somewhere on your phone or tablet. Here’s a crazy idea. You might even memorize a few of them! Yeah, I know. It’s radical.

But here’s the deal. You may not need them now…but you WILL need them. I certainly know it won’t be long before I need punch fear in the face with the truth of God! So why not be ready?

Fearing God

On the other hand, some of you may be wondering about how we’re commanded to fear God (2Chr 19:7-9; Prov 1:7; Is 11:2-3). What’s up with THAT?!? On one hand, this kind of fear is about reverence and worship.

But recently I heard someone (I wish I could remember who it was so I could give them proper credit) say that it’s safe to fear God because He’s the only one who won’t use it against us.

Mega-JOY-normous

Meanwhile back under the night sky in the Judean countryside, the angel’s come straight from heaven with breaking news! This just in! And this is not some disturbing report about a heartbreaking tragedy. This is GOOD NEWS! We’re talking GREAT JOY for EVERYBODY!!! Let’s just say this is the ultimate push alert!

Remember how the shepherds were afraid with mega-fear? This news is so VERY good that they can replace that with mega-joy! When we look at the original Greek, we see the very same adjective (Gr. μεγα/mega) describing their fear as the joy contained in the angel’s report. You could say it’s mega-JOY-normous! Okay, maybe not.

Not Limited to a Select Few

This breaking Good News isn’t limited to a select few. It’s not just for the rich. Not merely the powerful. Not just for season ticket holders. Not only for certain races or religions. Nobody’s getting left out. This is “Good News of great joy that will be for ALL THE PEOPLE!” (v11 emphasis added).

For those of us who think God’s kingdom is some sort of exclusive club for people who look like them and act like them, you might want to sit down. It’s open for anyone who places their trust in Jesus. That’s the ONLY requirement for entry.

Kind of a Big Deal

It’s at this point that the angel gets to the details of the Good News. “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (v11). This is not average birth announcement. That’s because this is not your average baby.

Just down the road in Bethlehem, something VERY special has just happened. Someone VERY special has just happened! How special? We’re talking about the Savior, the Christ, and the Lord! Yeah, He’s kind of a big deal.

A Savior to Our Rescue

First of all, this newborn Baby is our Savior. He’s the One who’s come to our rescue. The problem is that some of us don’t realize we need to be rescued. The cool thing is that Jesus is ready to respond the moment we do.

According to A.T. Robertson, the Roman emperor loved it when people living under his rule referred to the emperor as “savior.” Sounds like politicians haven’t changed much. Early believers more appropriately applied the term to Jesus.

The Hero from Heaven

Second, the Child is the Christ. The Greek word Χριστος/Christos means the Anointed One and is the equivalent of the Messiah in the OT. This is the long-awaited Hero from heaven the Jews have been expecting for a few thousand years.

We see the first hint of Christ to our rescue moments after first parents buy the lie of a satanic snake and rebel against God. Yahweh warns the serpent of One who will come and crush its head (Gen 3:15).

The Lord in Authority

Third, the Infant is the Lord (Gr. Κυριος/Kurios). This term describes someone who is the master, owner, or chief. Think about it for just a moment. This tiny Baby in the manger is actually the One with controlling power and authority.

And check this out. Did you notice that it’s an “angel of the Lord” who appeared in the dazzling brilliance of “the glory of the Lord” (v9)? In other words, who sent the angelic messenger to tell the shepherds this amazing news? Lord Jesus!

Everybody’s Invited!

There’s absolutely no reason to terrified. As a matter of fact, this news is so incredibly good that we should be jumping for mega-joy! According to the angel, everybody on the planet is invited to God’s party!

As Savior, He’s come to our rescue. From whom and what? From ourselves and our own sin. As Christ, the long-promised Messiah is finally making His appearance. And not a moment too soon! As Lord, He’s in total control.

The angel is right. This is GREAT NEWS!!! See, working the nightshift on Christmas Eve can have it’s benefits. Just ask the shepherds.

©2018

Jay Jennings

Hug a Child, Hug God

Access to C-Suites

Some folks just have a special way to connect with those who have power and influence. They know exactly who to talk to to gain access to C-Suites and the high level executives who work there.

Let’s face it, most of us don’t even know the building where the big wigs work much less what floor they’re on. But certain people have the ability to walk right in and sit right down with those in power.

Unlocking the Heavenly Corner Office

Did you know that Jesus gives His disciples the access code to unlock the heavenly corner office? I mean, it really doesn’t get any better than that! And, get this…the one who will take us there isn’t exactly a member of the board or even an administrative assistant.

In Mark’s Gospel, Christ gives a great big hug to a small little child and tells His team that this is how it’s done (Mk 9:36-37). If we will open our arms, our lives, and our hearts to those society shuts out, we suddenly gain unlimited access to just to our Savior but our Heavenly Father as well.

A Crazy Few Days

Before we dive into the specific scene, let’s zoom out just a bit for a little context. Jesus and His team have just arrived back at the headquarters of their Galilean ministry in Capernaum (Mk 9:33). It’s been a rather crazy few days to say the least.

If you’ve been following along in the first few chapters of John Mark’s bio of the Lord, you know there’s no lack of speculation about the true identity of the radical Rabbi/Carpenter from Nazareth. Who is He really?!?

A Non-Stop Miracle Machine

It all begins with the other two Members of the Trinity crashing the Son of God’s baptism in the Jordan River by His weird cousin John. That’s when a Voice from above announces, “You are My dearly loved Son, and You bring Me great joy!” (Mk 1:11).

Despite that ultimate attaboy, folks can’t figure out who He is. One thing they know for sure, He’s a non-stop miracle machine. Jesus regularly kicks demons to the curb, heals the sick and injured, and even brings dead people back to life!

Working Outside the Rules

While His popularity is blowing up in Galilee, the Jewish establishment sees Him as a clear and present danger. Our Savior regularly works outside their religious rules without approval from the Hebrew home office.

Jewish leaders actually believe the Lord gets His miraculous power straight from the pit of hell (Mk 3:22). It’s not long before they plan to eliminate their Jesus problem once and for all (Mk 3:6).

A Growing Scandal

The Lord has a ton of trouble convincing those who knew Him growing up who He really is. Folks in His own hometown are actually embarrassed by what they see as the growing scandal surrounding Joe and Mary’s oldest Boy (Mk 6:3).

Even His mom and siblings think our Savior is mentally unstable and is a danger to Himself and others (Mk 3:21). And you think your family puts the funk in dysfunction!

The Original Dirty Dozen

Along the way, the Son of God assembles a rag tag team of misfits and outcasts (Mk 3:13-19). Call them the original Dirty Dozen. Believe it or not, over the next three-and-a-half years He’s going to train them to change the entire world with His amazing message of grace.

Even when the Twelve have box seats for all sorts of miracles, they can’t wrap their brains around who He is. Like the time when the Son of God and the boys are caught in a nasty storm in a boat on the lake. After He instantly shuts down the squall with just the sound of His voice, they wonder “Who is this Man?” (Mk 4:41).

Putting the Pieces Together

That all changes when Peter puts the pieces of the puzzle together and announces, “You are the Messiah” (Mk 9:29). Jesus then goes on to fill the guys in on what’s about to go down. Rejection, betrayal, murder, and resurrection (Mk 8:31; 9:31). Don’t miss the resurrection part.

God’s View of Greatness

After coming home to Capernaum, He teaches His team a lesson on true greatness. In the Christ’s kingdom, things are upside down. Last in line is actually the front and lowly servants sit at the top of the org chart (Mk 9:35).

Which brings us to unexpected key to unlock access to the heavenly throne room. Jesus follows His up-is-down-first-is-last statement with a very practical example. “Then He put a little child among them” (v36).

Christ and the Little Kid

Mark describes the little kid that Christ puts front and center with the Greek word παιδιον/paidion. It’s actually a modified form of the term for child which usually means a baby or toddler.

This is no pesky middle schooler. In the original language, “little child” paints a picture of a kid well before puberty or someone who’s immature and still has a lot of growing to do. It’s also a term of endearment and parental affection.

One of Pete’s Kids?

So just who is this munchkin? Earlier in his bio of Jesus, Mark tells us how the Lord spends a good deal of time at Peter’s house in Capernaum (Mk 1:29). Throw in the fact that early believers were convinced Pete is the source of the info in the second Gospel. So could this be one of Pete’s kids?

Some denominations believe this toddler eventually grows up to be St. Ignatius, one of the first leaders of the church in Antioch in Syria. Whoever it is, Mark doesn’t tell us for sure. As a matter of fact, we don’t even know if it’s a boy or a girl.

A Hug from Jesus

But Jesus doesn’t just coldly set this little one in the middle of the living room and let everyone stare at them. The next thing you know, He’s “taking the child in His arms” (v36).

I absolutely LOVE the word the author chooses to paint the picture of this scene. He specifically selects εναγκαλιζομαι/enagkalizomai. It’s a compound verb which literally means to place someone or something into the crook of your arms.

Christ wraps His loving arms around this toddler and gives them a big hug. The Message melts your heart with it’s take of the same moment. We see the Lord “cradling the little one in His arms” (v36 The Message).

A Group Hug from the Son of God

The only other place we find this word anywhere else in Scripture is a little later in this same Gospel. When some moms and dads let their kids start climbing all over Christ, the disciples get their undies in a bundle. How dare these folks let their rug rats distract the Rabbi/Carpenter!

Instead of chasing them away, the Son of God scoops them up for a group hug. “Then He took the children in His arms (Gr. εναγκαλιζομαι/enagkalizomai) and placed His hands on their heads and blessed them” (Mk 10:16).

It’s just like that song a lot of us sang in Sunday School back in the day. “Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world.” There’s no doubt about the fact that kids have a special place in the heart of Christ.

The Disenfranchised and Underserved

But in the NIV Commentary of Mark, David Garland says the Lord’s point isn’t so much about how we should have some romanticized picture of children. We need to know that kids had zero status, power, or rights in First Century culture.

Christ is actually using this child to open His disciples’ eyes to the disenfranchised and underserved members of society. In those days, as it is in many places around the world today, kids are totally dependent on others, entirely vulnerable, and subject to their parents…especially their fathers.

Made in His Image

Our Savior selects a little one to represent those who are needy and lonely. He encourages us to seek greatness in God’s eyes by serving those who society sees as insignificant.

We need to see every single human being as having incredible value. God has created every single person we meet in His image (Gen 1:26-27). And His Son came on His amazing rescue mission to save each person we lock eyes with (Jn 3:16).

The Destitute, Deprived, and Disadvantaged

An English preacher named John Gill backs that up. He says Jesus wants us to know that He’s not just talking about how we treat children. We should show honor and respect to those whom society sees as worthless.

Gill cuts to the chase. Do you belong to Christ? Are you one of His? Do you bear His image? Are you on the business end of His grace? Are you loved by Him? If you check these boxes, then you have the privilege of loving and serving the destitute, deprived, and disadvantaged on His behalf.

Beggars Who’ve Found the Bread

Take a look around. Who does the vast majority of your community reject and ignore? Immigrants? Refugees? Convicts? Seniors in nursing homes? Single moms? The homeless? Custodians? The working poor? The mentally ill? Addicts? Do we need to go on? There are plenty to choose from.

Jesus wants His followers to open their eyes to those the rest of society chooses to not see. But let’s be careful not to get to full of ourselves when we serve folks in those situations. As someone once told me, we’re just beggars who’ve figured out where to get the Bread.

Welcome, Welcome, Welcome, Welcome

Meanwhile back in that crowded living room in Capernaum, Jesus explains the amazing consequences of what happens when we follow His example. “Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on My behalf welcomes Me, and anyone who welcomes Me not only welcomes Me but also My Father who sent Me” (v37).

I may not be the sharpest knife in the drawer, but it seems to me that Christ doesn’t want us to miss this idea of welcoming. I mean, He uses it not once, not twice, not thrice (that may be the first time I’ve ever typed “thrice” in my life), but a grand total of four times!

Opening Our Arms

Mind if we dive into the original Greek one more time? Okay, here we go. The word the ESV translates as “welcomes” (Gr. δεχομαι/dechomai) means to receive with open arms, take by the hand, greet with great hospitality, entertain, or accept.

Open arms. Grabbing by the hand. Just like Jesus has just hugged the little child, notice how there’s a physical aspect to this as well? That’s because they’re a whole lot more than warm, fuzzy feelings.

Mi Casa Es Su Casa

Love must be expressed. Just like the tune by Extreme, it’s more than words. Or as Olivia Newton John sings, let’s get physical. And I do love the title of Bob Goff’s book, “Love Does.”

Δεχομαι/dechomai focuses the attention on the one being welcomed and includes an attitude of friendliness and warmth. Picture sitting at home and hearing the door bell. When you open the front door, you see one of your favorite people on the planet. Make yourself at home! Mi casa es su casa.

Get Outside Our Comfort Zone

That’s why the Message puts Jesus’ words like this. “Whoever embraces one of these children as I do embraces Me, and far more than Me—God who sent Me” (v37 The Message). There’s something about pulling someone close and making contact.

Yeah, I know. Not everybody’s a hugger like me. But Jesus is challenging us to get outside our comfort zone in so many ways. Start with a handshake. Maybe a high five. Try a fist bump. Go on. I dare you.

Repping Jesus

Don’t miss Jesus’ three little words in this verse, “on My behalf” (v37). They’re key to His command here. Just about every other translation reads “in My name.” Anything we do on His behalf is done as His rep. It’s when we act as Christ’s hands and feet.

This is when our actions aren’t for our own best interests. We’re NOT manipulating the situation for what we can get out of it. It’s the classic “me third” attitude. Acting on Jesus’ behalf is when I put God first, others second, and me.

An Act of Worship

We do this because of all that He’s done for you and me. He lived the perfect life that I’ve failed to live. He died the death for my sin and rebellion that I should have died. He rose to a glorious new life that I certainly don’t deserve.

In other words, we can turn every moment of our lives into an act of worship for all He’s done for us. In a letter to believers in Colossae, a man named Paul says we’re to rep our Savior with everything we do. “And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father” (Col 3:17).

Unlocking Divine Access

When we open our arms, our lives, and our hearts to those who can’t do anything for us, something crazy happens. Something amazing. Something supernatural. Jesus says that sort of hospitality as His rep unlocks divine access.

Christ connects the dots on what happens when we open our lives to the forgotten and irrelevant. When someone does, they “welcome Me, and anyone who welcome Me welcomes not only Me but also My Father who sent Me” (v37).

A Package Deal

It’s a package deal. When we welcome children or anyone else on the outside looking in with open arms, they’re not the only ones. We’re also entering into a deeper relationship with Jesus and His Dad.

Our Savior says something very similar during a debrief of His disciples after sending them out on one of their first missions without Him. “Anyone who receives (Gr. δεχομαι/dechomai) you receives (Gr. δεχομαι/dechomai) Me, and anyone who receives (Gr. δεχομαι/dechomai) Me receives (Gr. δεχομαι/dechomai) the Father who sent Me” (Mt 10:40).

The Least of These

Just a couple of days before His betrayal and murder, the Lord makes the same point to the Twelve. He says something very special happens anytime we give a drink to someone thirsty, provide clothing to someone who has nothing to wear, open our home to a stranger, or visit someone behind bars (Mt 25:34-39).

Christ reveals that these acts of grace are actually moments of worship. “I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these My brothers and sisters, you were doing it to Me!” (Mt 25:40).

We Call It “Networking”

How often do we look to buddy up to somebody important, somebody with power and influence? We like to call it “networking.” But it’s just a nice way of saying I’m building relationships with the people who can do something for me.

Jesus wants His followers to turn that upside down. Instead of the rich and powerful, He calls us to throw the doors of our lives open to those who can’t do a darn thing for us. Instead, let’s take a look around see who needs our help? How can we use our position and leverage to give someone a hand up?

A Hug from God

You want a deeper relationship with the Son of God? You want more of the Heavenly Father in your life? The access code is quite simple really. Welcome the unwelcomed. Receive the snubbed. Embrace the ingored.

If you want a hug from God, it’s really as easy as hugging a child.

©2018

Jay Jennings

Who's the G.O.A.T.?

I Am the Greatest!

I love sports. Always have. For me, there’s a lot to like. The passion. The performances. The stories. The drama.

But if there’s one thing I can’t stand about athletics, it’s the non-stop self-promotion and boasting. Just about every sport has 

more than its fair share of egomaniacs who brag that they’re the G.O.A.T. The Greatest of All Time.

It seems to have started with Muhammad Ali. Back in the sixties and seventies, he constantly made the claim, “I am the greatest!” Chances are, in his sport, he was and still is.

How Ironic

In Mark’s Gospel, there’s the story of a similar argument about who’s the best. Yup, long before Ali, a group of guys try to make the case for which one is the greatest member of Jesus’ team (Mk 9:33-35). And the crazy thing is, they’re the closest followers of the MOST humble yet MOST deserving person to ever walk the planet. Ironic, isn’t it?

We pick up the story with the Lord and the Twelve returning to the home office in Capernaum. They’re fresh back from a trip to the mountains of northern Palestine near Caesarea Philippi and Mount Hermon (Mk 8:27; 9:2).

On the Way Home

On the way back, the Son of God heals a young man of demon possession while filling up the faith tank of his desperate dad (Mk 9:14-29).

During the trip home, Christ tells His team what to expect in the coming weeks (Mk 8:31-33). Get ready, boys. You’re gonna see the radical Rabbi/Carpenter betrayed, tortured, and murdered by the leaders of Judaism.

Pulling back the Curtain

But that’s not all. He’s going to rise from the dead!!! The problem is, the guys clearly don’t get it. Peter pulls Jesus aside and tires to tell Him that real Messiahs don’t die (Mk 8:32).

Then there’s the mountaintop meet-up with Moses and Elijah that Jesus allows Pete, James, and John to witness (Mk 9:2-8). Next thing you know, God pulls back the curtain of heaven to reveal His Son’s spectacular glory.

Some Sort of Blowup

On the return trip, the boys are having some sort of blowup. And they clearly don’t want Christ to know what they’re bickering about. Once they’re home, the disciples haven’t even set down their suitcases when our Savior asks them a question.

“After they arrived Capernaum and settled in a house, Jesus asked His disciples, ‘What were you discussing out on the road?’” (v33). Before we get to the question, let’s set the scene geographically.

A Blue Collar Bump in the Road

Capernaum is a little fishing village on the northern tip of a large freshwater lake called the Sea of Galilee. We’re talking blue collar bump in the road inhabited by the working class poor. It’s also become the headquarters of Jesus’ team.

Pete grew up just down the shore in Bethsaida.  But he’s since gotten married and moved here (Mk 1:29-30). He shares a home with his brother Andy and their extended family.

Jesus’ House

The town may be tiny but it’s big enough to have a synagogue. That’s the equivalent of a Jewish church community. Jesus has the honor of being the guest speaker on a few occasions (Mk 1:21). The ruins of that place of worship are still there today.

There’s an interesting little tidbit that might be easy to miss in the NLT. In the original language, Mark literally describes how the Lord “was in the house” (v33 ESV). The use of “the” tips us off that this is where the Son of God is living at the time. It could be Pete and Andy’s place. Who knows, maybe Jesus knew the joy of home ownership.

Trying to Keep It from Jesus

Whatever the case, Christ has a question for His crew. “What were you discussing out on the road?” (v33). It seems the boys were chatting it up while they were on the way back. And for whatever reason, they didn’t include the Teacher in the conversation.

Clearly whatever they were talking about, they tried to keep it from Christ. Don’t mistake His question for His ignorance. You can be sure He knows EXACTLY what the guys were chewing the fat about.

Coming Clean before Christ

Jesus asks them because He wants them to admit and repent. He knows. He simply wants them to come clean and realize how ridiculous they are. There’s no need to think He doesn’t already know.

He knows.

Jesus Doesn’t Need a Transcript

Christ offers us the same opportunity. He’s fully aware of everything we say, everything we do, and everything we think. He doesn’t need a transcript. There’s no reason to compose an executive summary.

He knows.

Before You Say It

Over in John’s Gospel, we read how our Savior didn’t need anyone to explain others’ motives “for He knew what was in each person’s heart” (Jn 2:25). King David wrote a song about how intimately God knows each one of us. “You know what I am going today even before I say it” (Ps 139:4).

He knows.

The Open Door of Confession

The reason He asks is to give them the opportunity to confess and repent. He’s not putting them on the spot to embarrass them. The Son of God wants them to realize their ego battle is exactly the wrong approach for one of His followers. He’s graciously opening the door of confession for them. He does the same for you and me.

We not only need let God know what He already knows but have the courage to confess to fellow followers of Jesus. The Lord’s little brother James tells us that this is a critical part of life in God’s family. “Confess your sins to one another and pray for each other so that you may be healed” (James 5:16).

That is why it is critical to find a group of believers where you can let our guard down and be the real you. Here’s the deal. If you can’t confess and come clean to the people who love you in the Lord and want His best for you, where can you do it?

Christ Gets Crickets

Back inside the house in Capernaum, it’s quiet. Too quiet. After Jesus asks the question,  the disciples don’t say a word. “But they didn’t answer” (v34). Christ gets nothing but crickets. There’s little doubt they’re too embarrassed to tell Him.

He’s thrown open the door of confession. But the Twelve is standing on the front porch and won’t come in. They’ve got nothing to say. You can see them looking at the floor and shuffling their sandals. The boys are busted.

A Silly Squabble

It’s at this point that Mark let’s us know what the disciples are unwilling to tell their Leader. “They had been arguing about which of them was the greatest” (v34). Seems kinda stupid to have this sort of silly squabble when you’re in the presence of the sinless Son of God, don’t you think?

This is another example of the author of the second Gospel giving us behind-the-scenes info we don’t find anywhere else. What’s his source? Early believers thought Peter is the one feeding Mark these crucial details.

The Guest List for the Transfiguration?

Could this argument have started over who got an invite to the Transfiguration and who didn’t? Did the other nine feel jealous when Jesus asked Pete and the Thunder Brothers to up on the mountain without them?

Any chance the Big Three felt cocky about what they were on the Son of God’s guest list and rubbed the noses of the other nine in it? I’m sure you’ve never been part of a group that didn’t have its fair share of drama. *wink wink*

A Teachable Moment

Instead of chewing His team out, He turns it into a teachable moment. “He sat down, called the twelve disciples over to Him” (v35). Back in the First Century, rabbis sat down to teach. When the Son of God grabs a seat, the disciples know that class is in session. They probably have a good idea He’s about to go deep on God’s view of greatness.

Despite the disciples’ silence, Jesus puts all His cards on the table when it comes to any claim to be the best. “Whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else” (v35).

Right out of the chute, notice how the Lord doesn’t dismiss the idea of wanting to be great. There’s nothing wrong with ambition. It simply must be focused on godly goals.

Last Is First

Somewhere along the way, many of the followers of Jesus have gotten the idea that greatness has no place in God’s kingdom. Heaven’s definition of success is a complete 180 from how we see it here on earth.

Christ tells His crew that it’s okay when someone wants to be first. So if that’s you, take a deep breath. But instead of fighting for the front of the line, it’s just the opposite. Jesus wants His followers walking to the back of the line. You see, for His disciples, last is first. Least is best.

Success Centered on Self

Society has sold us on a picture of success that puts us at the top of the org chart. The truly people have got it all going on. An corner office in the c suite. Countless employees. A sizable staff. Maybe even servants to respond to their every want and need.

Greatness here on the third rock from the sun is all about power, money, and influence. that use to your advantage. It’s success centered on self. What can I get out of it since I’ve got the leverage?

Don’t Buy a Fast Pass

But true greatness in God’s eyes turns the whole thing on its head. According to Christ, success means being in last place and serving everybody else. So if you see a long line, don’t look to buy a Fast Pass. Simply move to the back. That’s because in God’s view, the back of the line is actually the front.

Our Savior uses this very logic when wrapping an illustration about payday for employees at a vineyard. The workers hired in the morning get their undies in a bundle when ones hired late in the afternoon get the same check.

In the story, the owner of the company steps in and explains his pay structure. “Is it against the law for me to do what I want with my money? Should you be jealous because I am kind to others? So those who are last now will be first then, and those who are first will be last” (Mt 20:15-16).

The Mother of the Thunder Brothers

This idea that last is actually first becomes a HUGE theme in Jesus’ last days. He makes it the point of His teaching not once, not twice, not three times, but a grand total of four times! It sure seems like He doesn’t want us to miss the point!

The first time is when the mother of the Thunder Brothers goes to bat for her boys and asks Jesus to give them positions of power in His kingdom. Helicopter parenting is not a modern invention. The Lord tells her that’s the wrong way to go about it.

“Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give His life as a ransom for many” (Mt 20:26-28).

The Choice Is Yours

The second comes a couple of days later when Christ speaks before a big Passover crowd in Jerusalem. “The greatest among you must be a servant. But those who exactly themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted” (Mt 23:11-12).

Let me put it another way. Humble yourself or suffer humiliation. The choice is yours.

A Real Leader Waits Tables

Number three is just hours before His betrayal and murder when He settles yet another battle for power among His team. “Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like the servant. Who is more important, the one who sits at the table or the one who serves? The one who sits at the table, of course! But not here! For I am among you as one who serves” (Lk 22:26-27).

Washing Filthy Feet

Moments later, the Son of God shows the boys how it’s done when He grabs a bucket and a towel and washes their filthy feet. “I gave given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. I tell you the truth, slaves are not greater than their master. 

Nor is the messenger more important than the one who sends the message. Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them” (Jn 13:15-17).

Our Savior Serves

A few hours later, Jesus would provide the ultimate example of servant leadership by giving His life for us. Dying a brutal death for our sin so that we could live. By doing for us what we could never dream of doing for ourselves, our Savior serves us and saves us.

The Man from Heaven Humbled Himself

The man God used to spread His message of grace around the Mediterranean Rim writes how we are to model our Savior’s humility. “Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

“You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though He was God, He did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, He gave up His divine privileges; He took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When He appeared in human form, He humbled Himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross” (Phil 2:3-8).

Leveraging Your Position

This doesn’t mean to success is evil or that greatness is ungodly. First of all, let God examine your heart. Why do you want it so badly? Is it so the world will be impressed? Or is it so you can leverage your position for others and shine the spotlight on our Savior?

Here are a few subtle symptoms of pride from Fabienne Harford. Do you love to find fault with others? Do you have a snarky spirit that enjoys putting folks down? Are you more worried about your image than your integrity?

Do you go on the defensive when criticized? Are you desperate to be the center of attention? Do you neglect the needs of others? Oops, did these hit a little too close to home? Sorry, not sorry.

The Lamb is the G.O.A.T.

Last is first.

First is last.

Greatness in God’s eyes is serving others.

Follow the Lamb. He just happens to be the G.O.A.T. The Greatest of All Time.

©2018

Jay Jennings