When I was seventeen years old, I attended a Methodist church where the pastor always encouraged and empowered others. One day I decided to ask him who his favorite student was, expecting to hear my name. So I asked, “Pastor, who is your favorite?” “Why are you asking?” he replied. “I just want to know,” I said. “Nobody,” he answered. “I have a different relationship with each of you.” Then I asked again, “Yes, but who is your favorite? You must have one.” He smiled and said, “I know you want me to say that you are the one. I love all of you. I have no special preference for any of you.”
I dropped the conversation although I was not fully satisfied by the answer. I did not care about the others; I just wanted to be the “favorite.”
Today’s passage reminds me that on many occasions we are like the disciples who focus on themselves rather than on others. Despite the fact the disciples don’t answer Jesus’ question, Jesus gives them the answer to their quarrel.
As I reflect on my experience with the pastor, I remember that I never asked him again about his favorite. I decided to stay with him and learn from him. Twenty-three years later, he is still my pastor. He became my mentor, and I have spent more years with him than anyone else. All this was possible because I stopped trying to be above others. Otherwise, I would not be sharing this story with you today.
Jesus tells us today that we become the greatest not by seeking recognition or being served but by choosing to humble ourselves to serve others.