Following Jesus in Last Place

In our series Following Jesus on the Road to the Cross, we are watching how Jesus interacts with his disciples after he tells them who he is and what he came to do. He has already taught them what it means to come after him: deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow him.

But the disciples are struggling.

In Mark 9:30–50, we see what it looks like to follow Jesus in last place. And before Jesus teaches that lesson, we see a few things about the disciples that explain why they needed it so badly.

The Disciples Are Struggling

At this point in the Gospel of Mark, the disciples are having a hard time. They are afraid, argumentative, and absorbed with themselves.

First, they are afraid of Jesus and his words.

Jesus tells them again that the Son of Man will be delivered into the hands of men, killed, and after three days rise again. But the disciples do not understand what he means, and they are afraid to ask him.

Instead of asking questions, they remain silent.

Second, they are argumentative with one another.

When they arrive in Capernaum, Jesus asks them what they were discussing along the way. They keep quiet because they know they have been caught.

They were arguing.

Third, they are absorbed with only themselves.

What were they arguing about?

Who was the greatest.

While Jesus is explaining his coming death and resurrection, the disciples are debating which one of them ranks highest in the kingdom.

That’s when Jesus calls them together for what many would call a “come to Jesus meeting.”

He sits down, takes the posture of a teacher, and corrects their attitude.

The Lesson of Last Place

Jesus gives them a simple but powerful lesson:

“If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” (Mark 9:35)

Here is the lesson of last place:

If you desire to be the greatest Christ-follower you can be, you must place yourself last of all by being a servant of all.

Instead of comparing yourself to others, focus on applying the principle Jesus teaches.

Place yourself last.

Be mindful of others—their hurts, their needs, their challenges. Look for ways to serve. Be ready to step in and help when you can.

Jesus calls us to humility, utility, and simplicity.

• Humility – Count others as more significant than yourself.

• Utility – Be as useful as you possibly can be.

• Simplicity – You don’t have to do everything for everyone. Just do the next thing for the next one.

To illustrate the lesson, Jesus brings a child into the center of the room and takes the child into his arms.

Children in those days had no status. They were considered the least significant in society.

Yet Jesus says:

“Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me.” (Mark 9:37)

In other words, those who belong to Jesus should be received, welcomed, and embraced. Greatness in the kingdom of God is not about status. It’s about serving others.

Six Applications for Following Jesus in Last Place

As the conversation continues, Jesus gives several practical applications for what it means to follow him in last place.

1. Do not hinder the great things being done in Jesus’ name.

The disciples tried to stop someone casting out demons because he was not part of their group. Jesus corrected them. If someone is doing a mighty work in his name, do not stop them.

Instead of competing with other believers, rejoice in the good God is doing through them.

2. Do even the smallest things to help other believers.

Jesus says that even giving someone a cup of water because they belong to Christ will not lose its reward.

Small acts of service matter in the kingdom of God.

3. Do not cause other children of God to sin or stumble.

Jesus gives a strong warning to anyone who causes a believer to stumble. Our actions influence others, and we must be careful not to lead fellow believers into sin.

4. Take drastic measures to keep yourself from sin.

Jesus speaks in strong language about cutting off a hand or tearing out an eye if it causes sin. He is not speaking literally, but he is speaking seriously.

Sin leads to destruction. We must take it seriously and fight against it.

As John Owen once said:

“Be killing sin, or sin will be killing you.”

5. Do not lose your ability to add value to others.

Jesus compares his followers to salt. Salt seasons food and adds value.

When believers become consumed with unrepentant sin or self-focus, they lose their ability to add value to the lives of others.

6. Be at peace with one another.

The disciples began this passage arguing about greatness. Jesus ends it by calling them to be at peace with one another.

Peace is not the absence of conflict. It is harmony that comes when believers serve one another and seek the good of others.

The Ultimate Example of Last Place

At the beginning of this passage, Jesus tells his disciples something they do not want to hear.

He will be delivered into the hands of men.
He will be killed.
And after three days, he will rise again.

Jesus himself will take the lowest place.

He will become the servant of all through his death on the cross.

And through his resurrection, he will bring peace to his disciples and to all who believe in him.

If we want to follow Jesus, we must follow him there.

Following Jesus means learning to take last place—by being a servant of all.

You can watch this sermon in its entirety on our YouTube page.