The desire to be first, to be number one, is deeply engrained in all of us. It can be seen in everyone from the beer-guzzling fan at a professional football game to the petite high school cheerleader punching holes in the sky with her index finger and shouting, “We’re number one! We’re number one!”
Since this is such a common desire, we are not surprised to find Jesus dealing with this issue among his disciples.
While on their way to Capernaum Jesus caught them disputing among themselves as to who would be first in his kingdom. Previously he had told them of his coming betrayal, crucifixion, and resurrection. But the disciples had a hard time accepting that. They kept thinking of his kingdom in materialistic terms—wealth, power, and success....