FEAR OF ASKING LIMITS LEARNING
“They did not understand this Saying, and were afraid to ask Him” (Mark 9:32).
Jesus told His disciples about what was going to happen, but they were distracted, arguing about who would be the greatest in His kingdom. When Jesus asked them the reason for their argument, they were silent. What would you answer if Jesus were to ask you what topics you usually talk about with your family and friends? How easy it is to be occupied by temporal interests! The disciples had witnessed many miracles, so they had come to feel a familiarity with divine acts. What at first seemed amazingly supernatural became normal for them. They had their own idea about what the Messiah’s mission was about, and they refused to accept any other idea. They did not want to let go of their expectations of being part of a powerful empire. They didn’t ask much, either, because they were afraid they might get an answer they didn’t want to hear.
The disciples were slow to learn that greatness and power are measured differently in heaven than they are on earth; that paradoxically, power is perfected in weakness, and when we are weak is when we are strong (see 2 Corinthians 12:9, 10). They were arguing about who was going to be the greatest, and the Greatest of all ages was among them! They were blind to His greatness as long as they only looked at each other and compared themselves to each other. When you argue and compare yourself to others, it is impossible for you to contemplate and understand divine greatness completely. When we point out our own greatness, we are showing the smallness of our Soul (see SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 3, 1, 610, Mark 9:35).
Jesus shared the basic principle of leadership with His disciples, and it is still valid today: a leader is first a servant. A leader accepts the limitations of maturity of each individual and helps them grow. A leader accepts and celebrates diversity. Be faithful to your commitment. “Before honor is humility. To fill a high place before men, Heaven chooses the worker who, like John the Baptist, takes a lowly place before God. The most childlike disciple is the most efficient in labor for God. The heavenly intelligences can cooperate with him who is seeking, not to exalt self, but to save souls. He who feels most deeply his need of divine aid will plead for it; and the Holy Spirit will give unto him glimpses of Jesus that will strengthen and uplift the soul.”— The Desire of Ages, ch. 48, p. 403.
Ask God for a humble attitude of service and for qualities of leadership that honor Him
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Taken from: Devotional Thoughts for Women 2023
“DAUGHTER OF MINE” Do Not Be Afraid
From: Arsenia Fernandez-Uckele
Collaborators: Angelica Cuate & Esteban Cortes