Years ago, I heard Bishop T.D. Jakes tell a story about growing old with his wife, Serita. He described them sitting on the porch, mason jars in hand, laughing and reminiscing about “The things they learned along the way.” The image stuck with me— not for its sweetness, but for its warning. What if we settle into beliefs that aren’t kingdom truths? What if nobody ever confronts the untruths we’ve quietly adopted— those ideas that feel right but aren’t righteous? Whether birthed from pain, shaped by culture, rooted in pride, or planted by false assumptions, they can easily become our framework for life—unless someone loving enough, wise enough, or bold enough confronts them. In Mark 9, Jesus didn’t allow His disciples to carry flawed thinking into their future. He asked a question that revealed what needed to be corrected.
“They came to Capernaum, and when He was in the house, He began to question them, ‘What were you discussing on the way?’ But they kept silent, for on the way they had discussed with one another which of them was the greatest. 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.”
~Mark 9:33-35
Kingdom Principle: The kingdom of God corrects the culture of self-promotion with the call to self-denial.
Jesus and His disciples had been walking together, both physically and spiritually, for a while now. After witnessing His power and teachings, I’d imagine they would have been talking about the “deep things of God”, like purpose, healing, ministry…etc. Nope, that’s not what they were talking about; they were discussing status. Maybe they thought they had the Kingdom of God figured out: titles, rewards, next-level blessings —because, you know, in their minds, “all they do is win.” Of course, they didn’t expect Jesus to ask about this later. But when He did, it seems apparent they knew they’d done something wrong, because they held their peace; nobody thought they had a clean argument with Jesus. Funny isn’t it, the things we say in private often reveal what we’d never dare say in prayer!
It’s clear it wasn’t just embarrassment they were feeling, it was conviction. They should have known by now that Jesus didn’t just know their conversation; He knew their thoughts and intentions, and He wasn’t going to pass up a chance to address them, even if it meant “healthy conflict.” Sometimes we avoid conflicts that can lead to our greatest growth if we were wise enough to engage in them with grace and truth. This wasn’t a takedown; it was divine reordering—and an invitation to greatness, heaven’s way. Not necessarily the way they’d hoped, not necessarily just building a brand, or a name for ourselves, but having a posture of heart that even if the position were to come, I’d still take the lowest seat at the table, lifting up others, and thinking of them as more important than myself. The kingdom doesn’t clap for the hustle; it rewards true humility. Real transformation happens when we allow the Spirit to challenge what we think makes us important.
Let’s be real for a moment, we recognize that our culture is all about “making it big”. The people in the limelight seem to be the most memorable. I’m from New Orleans, and I heard all about the Cash Money Records v. No Limit Records case. I grew up on that music, and I know all about the two camps. Who’s got bars… business model and sound, it was about cultural influence. We can influence culture—or we can transform it. One changes the sound; the other changes the soul. To do this correctly, to truly reflect the Kingdom of God, we’ll have to unlearn some things and redefine greatness altogether.
This passage should cause us to stop and ask, What beliefs are we carrying that God never authored? Have we confused exposure with favor, or fame with fruit? If I want to be great in God’s kingdom, I have to be small, yes, even in my own eyes. And because I want to lead, I must be willing to take the knee. The older I get, the more I learn that the things I learned along the way weren’t always right, and some things I’m still unlearning in the presence of the Lord. Like the disciples, I’m grateful Jesus doesn’t just rebuke me; He reteaches me. He lovingly sits me down, not to shame me, but to reshape me, so that I’m more impactful for His glory.
Time of Reflection:
** Sometimes silence is a sign of conviction, not ignorance.
** What we think about status must be filtered through what Jesus says about servanthood before we accept it as a belief.
Heart-Probe Moment:
** What silent assumptions am I carrying that Jesus is trying to correct today?
Cross References:
Mark 9:33-35
Matthew 23:11-12
Phil 2:3-8
Rom 12:2
Lord, I confess: I’ve missed it in this area many times. I’ve assumed greatness was being seen, heard, known, and in the limelight. I’m learning that’s not Your way at all. Teach me so that my beliefs don’t come from cultural assumptions, but are founded totally on Your word. Sit me down like You did with the twelve. I will surrender wholeheartedly, and even if I’m silent, please know I’m changing for You, for my greatest desire is to do what You require. In Jesus’ name. Amen
