The Path of Greatness

Image previewThe Path of Greatness

“And whoever would be first among you must be slave of all.” (Mark 10:44)

Mark 10:43-45 must have been very dear to Mark, the servant and gospel writer.  It summarizes all of Jesus’ person and mission.  He wanted His disciples to understand that the ransom death He was about to die would be the climax of all He had said and done.  Associating with the despised and rejected, enduring the contempt of the authorities, washing the disciples’ feet, going to the cross, dying in humiliation - this was Jesus’ path to greatness.  It was for a life thus lived and a death thus died that “God highly exalted Him” (Phil.2:9).

The road to Jerusalem was Jesus’ path to greatness because it was the road ordained by the Father’s will.  On this road, greatness could never be achieved as James and John had hoped.  It can be reached only by following the Master’s steps, entering into His death, and then carrying our own cross in resurrection power yielded to the Father’s will.  If you would follow Jesus, don’t seek for pride of place, pride of ease, or the place of power.  Deliberately seek the place of suffering, service, and death to self, and find the resurrection life of glory that so many saints have found before you.

Meditation:  What is my view of the path of greatness?

Further Reading: Matthew 10:35-45