Following Jesus · Part 14 of 40 · 2 min
Who Is the Greatest?
The disciples had been walking with Jesus. Along the road they had argued about which of them was the greatest.
When they reached the house, Jesus asked what they had been discussing.
The friends became quiet. Their argument did not sound very good now.
Jesus sat down and called the twelve to him.
He explained that anyone who wanted to be first must be willing to be last and serve everyone.
Then Jesus brought a child into their circle and held the child close.
Welcoming a child in his name, he said, was also welcoming him. And welcoming him meant welcoming the Father who sent him.
The child did not bring money, power, or an important title. Still, Jesus gave the child a place of honor and care.
His friends needed to stop competing and learn to notice people who could easily be overlooked.
We can practice that lesson when we wait for our turn, help a younger child, or make room for someone new.
The greatest helper is not always the loudest person. Jesus values a heart that is willing to love and serve.
Retelling of Mark 9:33–37.
Supporting reading: The Desire of Ages, chapter 48. Open the book
Talk about it together
- Humility
- Service
- Whom did Jesus bring into the circle of the arguing disciples?
- How might that child have felt when given a place of care?
- What does helping without competing to be most important look like?
Activity · 2–5 minutes
A Turn to Help
Choose a simple game and share the jobs of getting it ready: one person sets out the pieces, another explains the rules, and another checks that everyone can join in. When you finish, each person gives thanks for some help they received. Remember that being important does not mean bossing others around; it means being willing to serve.
Try it today: We can make room and serve without competing for everyone’s attention.
More stories with these values
Put the story in order
Open the interactive activity or prepare a printable sheet for home, classroom, or family.
Open activity →