Sermon Follow Up: Last Place in a 1st Place World
In a world obsessed with being first, we’re challenged to embrace the counterintuitive wisdom of Christ: the last shall be first. This message delves into Mark’s Gospel, where Jesus repeatedly teaches his disciples about servanthood and sacrifice. We’re confronted with our own discomfort around the concept of ‘last place’ and how it conflicts with our natural desires.
Yet, Jesus calls us to a radical reorientation of our priorities. By examining the disciples’ struggle to understand this teaching, we see our own reluctance mirrored. The powerful image of Jesus embracing a child – someone with no status in ancient culture – drives home the point that true greatness in God’s kingdom is measured by our willingness to serve the ‘least of these’. As we wrestle with this concept, we’re invited to pray, ‘Make me a servant,’ challenging ourselves to find Christ-like humility in our daily lives.
Reflection:
What is the difference between being a volunteer and being a servant, as described in the sermon, and how might this distinction impact your approach to serving others?