Proper 20B (Mark 9:30-37) – 09/20/2009

Who is the greatest of all? The debate involved with that question never seems to lose our interest and we enjoy granting the title to many different people. We proclaim the Greatest Mom and the Greatest Dad so often that these titles can be obtained on coffee mugs (ordered on the internet with 24 hour shipping!). We declare certain sports teams the Greatest of their generation and Muhammad Ali was the self-proclaimed Greatest of all time! We must acknowledge that any example of someone declared “the greatest” in their field requires us to consider their contributions using a particular formula. Little more than one week ago the National Basketball Association used their formula for greatness to induct five people into the Basketball Hall of Fame. Among those five inductees was Michael Jordan and the sports analysts could barely contain their enthusiastic examination of Jordan’s basketball career: 6 NBA Championship titles, 5 times the NBA Most Valuable Player, and 14 times elected an All-Star player. These statistics are just a few of the elements of Michael Jordon’s career that have prompted many people to declare him the greatest basketball player of all time. Many people believe the formula for basketball greatness places Jordan’s accomplishments above nearly all others in his sport, but the question of greatness based simply on the narrow formula of individual success remains to be argued. The difference in opinions between what is important and what is not important in the formula for greatness is exactly the argument we might imagine had consumed the disciples as the traveled the road to Capernaum.

In last Sunday’s Gospel lesson, we heard Jesus teaching his disciples for the first time (in Mark’s Gospel account) of his coming suffering, death, and resurrection, and although Peter correctly names Jesus as the Messiah we also learn that Peter and the rest of the disciples do not understand what Jesus is teaching them. This morning our Gospel lesson presents Jesus’ second prediction of his suffering, death and resurrection, and again the disciples do not understand this lesson. This morning’s lesson is found near the end of chapter 9 of Mark’s Gospel account and we are only one chapter removed from Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, where the events that Jesus is predicting will take place. The disciples have been with Jesus for the past few years of his public ministry and in the midst of their confusion of Jesus’ prediction; we might imagine they are filled with anxiety as they reflect on the events of their past ministry with Jesus and consider their uncertain futures. Their reflection of the past presents reminders of their participation in the miraculous events and teachings of Jesus’ ministry. Reflection turns to debate as they recall each of their contributions: who among them understood their Teacher’s lessons the best; who incorporated these lessons into their life and was made righteous by this teaching; who was asked to join Jesus at the top of the mountain as he was Transfigured before them; and on and on they argued as they traveled the dusty road to Capernaum. The disciples debate each other using their earthly formula for greatness; a calculation that is driven by individual merits and accomplishments. Jesus discovers their debate and is determined to correct their calculations.

Our Gospel lesson says, “Jesus sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, ‘Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.’” (Mk 9:35) We should note two things about this verse before we draw any conclusions. First, Jesus realizes that this teaching is difficult for the disciples to understand and incorporate into their lives. And we know this because Mark tells us, “Jesus sat down,” and as a relatively recent seminary graduate and as a parent, I know that when the teacher decides to sit down…the lesson is going to take awhile! Jesus has a lot of teaching to do. Secondly, Jesus does not completely dismiss the disciples’ concern with “greatness” or being first. In fact, Jesus says “whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.” Jesus encourages their desire for greatness by providing them guidance of how to strive for this goal…by being last of all; by humble service to others; by humble service to even a child. In the ancient world (whether we like it or not), children held no value. Jesus is teaching his disciples that they must serve the lowliest of all of God’s people; they must serve those who cannot in any way serve them in return; and this service is the formula of greatness and the path that leads to the One who sent Jesus himself. Jesus’ formula is a calculation of active service to others; the faithful and humble use of the gifts we have each been given by the one Holy Spirit. This formula has the breadth and depth of the community and reaches well beyond the simple calculation of individual accomplishment. Our earthly formula of greatness strives to achieve our expected goals of success, but Jesus’ formula of greatness strives to achieve the unexpected and sacred gifts of God.

Michael Jordan’s basketball career was quite amazing and nearly any formula would put him at the top of the list of great players. However, I was a bit disappointed with the lack of media coverage for the four other inductees to the Hall of Fame; and in particular David Robinson, whom I have been following since his basketball days at the Naval Academy. David is also a great player with 2 NBA Championship titles, 1 NBA MVP, and 10 All-Star player selections to his name. David, however, is a player that would merit the continuous media coverage that Michael Jordan received if we used Jesus’ formula for greatness. A striking example of David’s service to others is the creation of the Carver Academy in downtown San Antonio, TX. David and his wife, Valerie, contributed their time and money to begin a grade school in a disadvantaged area of San Antonio and have continued to do much work there. When asked to name the school after himself, Robinson declined the offer and instead suggested naming it after George Washington Carver, a man born as a slave who later would become a great teacher, scientist and inventor. As I have followed David’s basketball career and his work in the community and throughout the world, I have been inspired by the strength of his leadership, the depth of his spiritual life, and his commitment to others. We, too, have many opportunities to use our gifts in service and support of others in our church, our community, and our world. Today marks the start of our Christian education programs through our forums, church school and J2A. These programs of education and spiritual development, along with many other wonderful ministries provide all of us with opportunities to discern our gifts, development our talents and serve our community and the world. We are blessed to have these ministries at St. John’s and let us pray that we may use them to serve all our brothers and sisters in Christ.

“Almighty and everlasting God, by whose Spirit the whole body of your faithful people is governed and sanctified: Receive our supplications and prayers which we offer before you for all members of your holy Church, that in their vocation and ministry they may truly and devoutly serve you; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (BCP, 78)  Amen