Do you like coming in first place? Most of us do! We like winning, being the best, and getting praised. Did you know that Jesus taught something very different? He said that if we want to be great, we should learn to serve others. That sounds like the wrong side up, doesn’t it?
One day, two of Jesus’ disciples wanted to be the most important in His kingdom. They wanted the best seats and the highest positions. Jesus gently corrected them, reminding them that being great isn’t about being above others—it’s about supporting others. In fact, He said the greatest people are the ones who serve.
Jesus didn’t just say this—He lived it. He helped the poor, healed the sick, and spent time with people others ignored and disliked. Even though Jesus is God’s Son, He chose to serve. He showed love by doing humble things. While living among the least, He did the most, and gave His life to save us.
The act of serving does not require big or grand gestures. We can serve through small acts of love—helping a friend, obeying our parents, sharing our toys, or showing kindness when faced with the opposite. These may seem like little things, but they matter a lot to God.
Sometimes, serving others can be hard. People may not notice or thank us. Still, let us never forget that God knows and remembers everything we do. When we choose to serve, we are following Jesus’ example.
If we want to be truly great, don’t try to scale to the highest highs. Instead, choose to go low. Be meek, be helpful, and big-hearted towards others—this is the way Jesus longs for us to live.
Family Altar
Use these discussion questions and our prayer as a guide for your family altar.
Parents can lead the prayer and invite their children to repeat after them or encourage their children to take the lead, making family altar time a shared journey of faith.
Discussion Questions:
What does it mean to be a servant?
Can you think of one way you can help someone today?
Why do you think Jesus wants us to serve others?
Prayer in Words:
In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, we pray.
Thank You for showing us how to love and serve others.
Help us not always want to be first,
But to be willing to help those around us.
Teach us to be kind, patient, and humble,
And show us ways we can serve our family and friends each day.
Hallelujah, Amen.
