The Greatest and the LeastThen there arose a reasoning a...

 

The Greatest and the Least

Then there arose a reasoning among them, which of them should be greatest (Luke 9:46).
We find some of the disciples vying for top position, wanting to be first, on more than one occasion. It seems to be one of man's tendencies. We want to be first, become the most successful, and be the wealthiest. We like to win any competition, and some can be cutthroat in their efforts to achieve. 
And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and the servant of all (Mark 9:35).
But this is not Jesus' way. He taught that it's better to have a servant's heart. He goes on to teach that the first shall be last and the last shall be first. It reminds me of when I taught school, and the children would try to push through to get to the front of the line. When they got out of hand or the problem escalated, I would reverse the line, making the first one last.
Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 18:4).
Jesus also reverses the line so the least on earth, those who have been kind-hearted servants, will be greatest in heaven. He honors the humble but criticizes the haughty, arrogant, and egotistical. Remember the proud Pharisee and the humble publican who went to pray in the temple in Luke 18:10-14. Jesus said the humble man went home justified, but the Pharisee did not.
Do you have a humble, servant's heart? It's what all Christians need. It's how we please our Lord.______________________