Upside down thinking - Mark 9 & 10

In this section of Mark we see the pen of the author moving with great speed. Mark seems to be recalling incidents in Christ's life at rapid pace and jotting them down as though he is writing a quick report for a class assignment. He spends little time on each story, giving us the facts necessary to see the Savior's movement. Unlik Luke who broads over a narrative at expansive lengths, Mark is choppy, incomplete at times, but getting us right to his point. He wants us to see Jesus' movements. He wants us to see the thrust and expanse of His ministry not necessarialy the depth of it. But, Mark is not without continuity, despite the rapid shots of data. In this section alone we see one major theme that is pecurilar to Mark: The last will be first. Although the other gospel writers record Christ's comments about the order of our position in a spiritual kingdom, Mark does so in triplicate. In 9:35; 10:31 and 10:44-45 we read Mark's words about the last being first in the kingdom and the servant being Lord of all. That is a silly thought, when you think of it in the backdrop of our current world economy and structure. Ever since Cain slew Abel it has been about being "first." Nimrod was named a mighty hunter in Genesis, which, in essence tells everyone else, he rules in the hunting world (Genesis 10:8). The desire to be first was Goliath's downfall. As what is Sauls. In Christ's day the Pharisees wanted to be first. Later the Apostle John would write a little tiny letter and let the world know that Diotrephes wanted to have preemenice among the church (3 John 9). All through the centuries of mankind the desire to be first has been ... first! We have pushed, taught and honored the desire for greatness and being at the top. No one wants to be picked last; we want to be picked first. No one wants to row, we all want to be the captain. But, kingdom living and acting is not like that according to Mark's recorded words of Jesus' teaching. Jesus was telling Mark and the others that a true follower of Christ is first and foremost concerned about serving others. James and John argued as they walked along about position. Jesus demonstrated humility and servanthood. Our churches today are more like James and John then Jesus. Oh to see a body of believers so fixated on serving one another rather than positioning one another for their own pride.