The Path to Greatness

 

And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:42-45 ESV).

 

For over 100 years, the Order of the Arrow (OA) has recognized Scouts and Scouters who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives. This recognition provides encouragement for others to live these ideals as well. Arrowmen are known for maintaining camping traditions and spirit, promoting year-round and long-term resident camping, and providing cheerful service to others. OA service, activities, adventures, and training for youth and adults are models of quality leadership development and programming that enrich and help to extend Scouting to America's youth.

 

Isn’t that exactly what Jesus is telling His disciples in our reading today. My dear friend, Terry Westmoreland, is a leader and very involved in the Order of the Arrow. However, more than that, he is one of the great servants of God I have known through the years. We first met at Southern Oaks Baptist Church when I was the pastor during the 80’s. I enjoy following his work in that wonderful church and community.

 

We should learn from such examples. In our reading today, James and John forgot that the path to greatness involves service. They wanted power and privilege. They wanted to be served. But that would not be the path for them. They would suffer for following Jesus. They would suffer in ways like he suffered. These words of Jesus are the theme verses of the book of Mark. They capture the essence of why Jesus came to live among us. He didn’t come for greatness; he came to give his life. Serving others was his mission. Others always came first for Jesus. His service culminated at the cross, where he showed his greatest love in laying down his life for us.

 

When we’re tempted to look for greatness, we need to focus on the cross and remember how Jesus served. Then we need to be willing to lay down our lives as he did.