Daily Devotional
By Pastor Jerry Teboe
A Closer Walk with Christ in 2026
A Walk with the Master Series
Humility
And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way? Mar 9:34 But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest. Mar 9:35 And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all. Mar 9:36 And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them, Mar 9:37 Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me.
When a group of people get together, usually there will be someone who desires to be the leader of that group. It was no different with the disciples of Jesus. Here were twelve men who all considered what it would be like to be the greatest. The thing is that normally, if confronted, they would not want to admit to those ambitions. That is what we find in today’s portion. And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way? But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest.
This became an opportunity for teaching. And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them. His message was one which was aimed at their egos. His lesson was one of humility, not greatness. If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all. Jesus’ lesson became a message of leadership. The one who wants to be the greatest must learn to be a servant first of all.
The world looks at leadership as power: one who is in the place of deciding and telling others what they must do, whether he does it or not. This was the attitude of the Pharisees and Sadducees in their day. But Christian leadership should be just the opposite. A godly leader must lead with humility. That attitude puts others first. We see this taught in the Scriptures in many places. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Php 2:4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others (Philippians 2:3-4). Again, we see the same idea in Romans 15:1-2, We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.
The way Jesus taught that day was to use an object lesson with a little child. The attitude of a child displays humility, because a child looks to an adult for direction, help, protection, and love. Humility is the attribute of a true leader who has the heart of a servant. And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them, Mar 9:37 Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me.
When we see truths like these, it helps us to realize that the Lord desires us to have that spirit of humility to avoid the pride which sometimes can control our lives. But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resists the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble (James 4:6). Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up (James 4:10).
Bible Reading for the Year
April 23rd, 2 Samuel 10-12; Luke 19-29-48
Prayer Needs
Praise the Lord that Dr. Joe Jordan had a successful coronary artery bypass surgery. He is still in the hospital. His recovery is slow. He has a lot of congestion but is getting better. Please continue to pray!
Praise the Lord! Thank you for praying for Jennifer Teboe Buchamer. She had a CT scan on Friday, April 17th. All of the tumors had shrunk except for 2 that remained stable. The doctors were greatly surprised. Please continue to pray for complete healing.
Please pray for Kat Radkins’ husband, Joe. He will have a total hip replacement on May 11th. Please continue to pray for a remote work job for Kat as they really need this.
Please pray for Robbie Harvey, who has MAC lung disease. He fell and broke several ribs. He is now home from the hospital but in a lot of pain. He has started a new medication for his lung disease.
Please continue to pray for Carter Crandell (Corey’s Dad). He is home from the hospital, but he still has infection and two kidney stones. Once the infection clears up, he will go back to have the stones removed.
Please pray for Peggy Warren. She is in a lot of pain from a partially crushed disc in her lower back. However, surgery is not recommended.
Please pray for Phil Corey in his continual dialysis treatments. Please pray for Michelle and for Doris too. Doris is having problems with her blood pressure.
Please continue to pray for Beth Buchta that her hip will completely heal. Her recovery can take up to a year.
Please pray for Madison Bowers Millwee. She is now at 34 weeks and is doing well. Everything is relatively stable at this point. She will continue modified bedrest until she delivers.
Please continue to pray for Marvin Silverthorne for his eyesight to improve.
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Pray for our Missionaries!
Sue Singleton and the mission in Cambodia
Dr. Joe Jordan and the CBM (Cross and Bible Ministries)
Travis and Caroline Fennessy – IBM missionaries to Southeast Asia