Have you ever been on a team and had reservations about a few things the leader said? Instead of taking them up with the leader, you and another team member had a personal/private conversation about the issues you had concerns about?
While you’d hoped the leader didn’t hear about that conversation, sure enough, they call you into their office the next day to address the same issues you were speaking about privately with the other teammate. How’d you feel? A swirl of discomfort, embarrassment, fear— fear of being called out, corrected, or kicked off the team? Losing your rank/position? This question is about what happens when God pulls back the curtains on our private conversations and hidden motives.
“What were you discussing on the way?
~Mark 9:33
True greatness is measured by humility and service, not status!
It’s always about the heart! This conversation took place shortly after Jesus predicted His death and resurrection. The disciples couldn’t grasp the gravity of His words and were afraid to ask for clarity. When confronted, they froze- embarrassed, caught off guard, and exposed by His insight. Their response was typical: deliberate silence in the face of a moment to confront their expectation and grow spiritually. Jesus did wait until they were in the house to ask about their petty dispute. This revealed His intentional leadership style; He waited until they were in a safe space, proving in the Kingdom of God, correction always comes from compassion, not condemnation.
Jesus exposed their pursuit of self-elevation. The kingdom has always operated on an inverted value system; the first will be last, and the servant — G.O.A.T. Paul has urged us in Philippians to think of others as more highly than ourselves. James also confronts selfish ambitions, calling for meekness and peace. Greatness in God’s eyes has never been about recognition, but willingness to serve when no one is watching. While the disciples’ focus was on position, promotion, and power, Jesus’ focus was on humiliation, death, and, ultimately, resurrection. The world measures greatness by one’s proximity to the throne; Jesus measures it by proximity to the towel.
Ambition for status is incompatible with true humility—it contaminates the very essence of servanthood. Jesus challenged worldly values by offering a radical reversal, emphasizing genuine humility over self-promotion. In our culture, we often pursue followers, likes, and recognition, even in ministry, where influence and platforms are highly sought after. Jesus prompts us to consider our true focus: Are we building brands or building people? One fades with trends; the other remains for eternity. Are we chasing worldly clout or bearing our crosses? This passage reminds the modern church that God’s Kingdom operates differently from the world. Our conversations and goals should echo heaven’s priorities, not mirror the world’s obsessions.
I’m challenged to examine my silent conversations—the words I whisper, the thoughts I hide, the ambitions I justify when I think Jesus isn’t listening. True humility isn’t about thinking less of myself, but thinking about myself less. I want to pursue greatness by serving all. That means celebrating others, choosing to lift them, and finding contentment in obedience over recognition. Jesus sees through our motives and invites us into a better way. Greatness is not a position; it’s a heart posture. The child-standard of greatness means lowering yourself, choosing humility, vulnerability, and service, even when it costs comfort and recognition.
Time of Reflection:
** Humiliation precedes glory. Greatness is found in being the servant of all.
** The shame and silence of the disciples confirm that the desire for personal status is a spirit that knows it must hide from Christ’s light.
Heart Probe moment:
** What are the “on the way” discussions (Internal thoughts and private rivalries) I would be ashamed for Jesus to bring to the light?
Scripture references:
Mark 9:31
Mark 9:33-37
Phil 2:3-8
Jam 3:13-18
Matt 23:11-12
Luke 22:24.27
Closing Prayer:
Jesus, this one hit home for me, help me walk humbly before You all my days. I confess my motives and ambitions haven’t always been pure. Teach me the joy of serving without applause and living for Your approval alone. Remind me daily that the greatest in the kingdom is the servant of all. In Jesus’ name. Amen
