The verse that stopped me today was, “Mark 9:35-37
” Sitting down, He called the twelve and *said to them, “If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.” Taking a child, He set him before them, and taking him in His arms, He said to them, “Whoever receives one child like this in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me does not receive Me, but Him who sent Me.” What first made me pause for some reason was the phrase sitting down. I checked the Greek and found out it is καθίζω kathizō ; another form of to make to sit down, to sit down:–appoint(1), rested(1), sat(5), sat down(15), seat(1), seated(1), seated themselves(1), settled(1), sit(9), sit down(4), sitting down(1), stay(1), taken…seat(1), takes…seat(1), took…seat(3).

Jesus’ disciples are arguing about who among them is the greatest and Jesus stops, sits down to rest and calls them to Him. I would have jumped right into a debate over theology with them. Jesus lifts a little child into His lap and teaches them humility. He uses an object lesson. He slows them down to listen. He knows that if He scolds them they will become defensive. If He tells them that they should memorize everything He says they will be distracted or annoyed, depending on their temperament. Jesus stops. Jesus sits down and waits until He has their full attention. Then He uses something everyday and unforgettable to help them remember.
‘
Forget about putting yourself first. Don’t worry about your own accomplishments. Love and serve others. Listen patiently to what other people say. Love them gently. Follow Me.

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