What Jesus Did! 'Least and Greatest' — Mark 10:31

Wednesday, July 24, 2024

[Jesus continued,] "But many who are the greatest now will be least important [in the world to come], and those who seem least important now will be the greatest then."
— Mark 10:31 NLT

Key Thought

God evaluates people differently than most earthly judges, critics, and cultures do. Those who appear to be lowly, unimportant, backward, impoverished, broken, and meek are valued as precious by God — and will continue to be in the world to come. Is it because he favors the poor and the weak over the strong and the rich? Not necessarily. However, God does cherish the person who serves others regardless of his or her station in life. He does care deeply for the person who recognizes her or his need for God's love, mercy, and grace. God does recognize the genuine humility of a person who has suffered because he or she would not compromise on integrity issues. So those who have cheated their way to the top and thereby gained fame and recognition will not be the ones God honors. No, it will be the people they stepped on but who refused to give up on faith, morality, integrity, honesty, and Christian values. It will be the people who served others — even those who abused them — in the name of Christ.

Today's Prayer

O Father, help me value others by your standards. Help me see the value of others through your eyes. Confound my intentions when I choose the wrong path and go the way of fame and fortune rather than faith and service. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Matthew 5:1-12
  • 1 Corinthians 1:26-29
  • Matthew 23:11

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Illustration

Illustration of Mark 10:31 NLT — [Jesus continued,] "But many who are the greatest now will be least important [in the world to come], and those who seem least important now will be the greatest then."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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