Servanthood

Good morning My Ekklesia Family

Mark 9:35 (NLT):

“He sat down, called the twelve disciples over to him, and said, ‘Whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else.’”

In Mark 9:35, Jesus addresses a common human desire — the ambition to be first, to be great. But He turns the idea of greatness upside down. Instead of pursuing status, He calls His disciples to embrace servanthood. This moment follows the disciples' argument about who among them was the greatest (Mark 9:34), revealing their misunderstanding of Jesus’ mission and the nature of true leadership in the Kingdom of God.

By sitting down, Jesus assumes the traditional posture of a Jewish rabbi ready to teach something weighty. His statement redefines greatness — not by power, position, or prestige — but by humility, selflessness, and service.

Lead by serving: True leadership in God’s Kingdom isn’t about control but compassion.

Check your motives: Are you seeking recognition, or are you seeking to reflect Christ?

Honor the overlooked: The ones society might place "last" may be the greatest in God’s eyes.

Lord Jesus, teach me to take the low place, not out of shame, but out of love. Strip me of selfish ambition and fill me with the spirit of a servant. Help me not to chase applause but to chase after Your heart. May I serve with joy, even when no one is watching. Let my life reflect Your humility. In Jesus' name, Amen.

If today you feel the tug to walk a different path — one of humility, service, and love — then Christ is calling you. Come follow the One who became last so we could be lifted up. Surrender your will and let Jesus lead. Connect with us at Ekklesia Christian Life Ministries — visit ekklesiachristianlife.org — and join a community of believers learning to serve, love, and live like Jesus. ✝️

LoveUmorethanUknow,

Pastor Stephän Kirby