Debates are nothing new except perhaps the venue in which they take place. Philosophers gathered in Athens to discuss and exchange their worldviews. Jews went to the synagogues to hear rabbis share their interpretations of the Torah. Today, opinions are posted, tweeted and vocalized on talk radio, with sports fans often adding their own two cents on who is the greatest of all time.
But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest, Mark 9:34.
This temptation is not limited to sports as even followers of Jesus wanted to know who was the best disciple. I can imagine Peter saying, “I walked on water” before John chimes in “well, I’m the beloved one.” Back and forth, each of the twelve probably revelled in their moment of glory before another voice drowns out the one before. Sensing their discussion was getting out of hand, Jesus intervenes by defining the perimeters for the greatest of all time.
Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all,” Mark 9:35.
In eternal terms, the individual with the largest mansion in heaven will be the one who is the greatest servant of all. In my mind, Mother Teresa is one of the front runners, but history provides ample choices to be number one. Nonetheless, modern Christians must adhere to these standards or risk the chance of being rejected by Christ. Therefore, don’t waste your breath on arguing who is the GOAT. Rather, commit yourself to taking on the nature of a servant, Philippians 2:6-7.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 