Mark chapter 9 verses 33-35 (NIV)
They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the road?” But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest. Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.”
Jesus knew what the disciples were talking about, He didn’t need to ask. The disciples were embarrassed to have been caught out. I hope they were also embarrassed at the reason for the argument. Jesus could rightly have scolded them for their behaviour which was certainly not emulating His own. But He didn’t. He calmly sat them down and taught them why their attitude had to be different. I was struck today by the grace with which Jesus dealt with their behaviour and wonder if I emulate that grace when confronted by that of others which may be hurtful or offensive? And if I have done something of which I am embarrassed or ashamed, I know that Jesus knows all about it, and He will show me what I need to do to put things right with the same grace that He showed the disciples here.
But we must also be mindful of those who cross our path who may also be embarrassed and ashamed of things that they may have done. Let’s treat them in the same way as Jesus did here. In doing that we can point them to Jesus Himself to deal with those issues in their own lives.
Dear Lord,
Thank You again for this example of the merciful way Jesus dealt with the disciples. They deserved a reprimand and He showed them grace. Thank You for doing the same for me. Help me to follow His example and do the same for others. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.