The Greatest

Open with Prayer: God, we thank you for this time together, for the technology that makes it possible, and the hearts that connect us. Be with us as we travel, join us in this journey, and help us see and hear you always. Amen.

Read: Mark 9:33-37

Then they came to Capernaum; and when he was in the house he asked them, ‘What were you arguing about on the way?’ But they were silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest. He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, ‘Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.’ Then he took a little child and put it among them; and taking it in his arms, he said to them, ‘Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me.’

Ask: What did Jesus overhear the disciples arguing about?

When he asked them what they were doing, what did they say?

Have you ever been caught saying something embarrassing?

Jesus told them how to be the greatest.  What did he say they had to do?

Say: Jesus used a small child, just like you, as an example of how someone that adults may not think is important, can be great just by loving God and serving other people.

Ask: Can you think of anyone that Jesus would think is the greatest?

Maybe some people that the world doesn’t think are important?

What are some things we can do to serve other people?

How can we, like Jesus, make people feel welcome? 

Finish with Prayer:

God, Thank you reminding us that everyone is important, and everyone should be welcomed.
God today we thank you for: (something or someone you’re grateful for)
God today we need your help with: (something hard or difficult you need to do)
God today please be with: (someone who may be sick, sad, or hurt)
We ask all this in Jesus’ name.
Amen