This coming Sunday is the 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Regarding the first teaching, Lane [339-40] writes: “The question of precedence was resolved on the authority of Jesus: he who wishes to be first must be determined to be the servant of all. This surprising reversal of all human ideas of greatness and rank is a practical application of the great commandment of love for one’s neighbor (Ch. 12:31; Lev. 19:18) and a reaffirmation of the call to self-denial which is the precondition for following Jesus (Ch. 8:34, where the formulation “whoever wishes to come after me” is parallel to “whoever wishes to be first” in Ch. 9:35). The order of life for the disciples in their relationship to each other is to be the service of love. By transforming the question of greatness into the task-orientation of service, Jesus established a new pattern for human relationships which leaves no occasion for strife or opposition toward one another.”

In Mark 9, Jesus provides a profound lesson on the nature of true greatness. When the disciples argue about who among them is the greatest, Jesus responds by turning their understanding of leadership upside down. He says, “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all” (Mark 9:35).

This teaching highlights the essence of servant leadership. True leadership is not about wielding power or seeking honor, but about humility and service. A leader in the Kingdom of God is called to put others first, to care for their needs, and to serve selflessly. Jesus Himself embodies this as He washes His disciples’ feet and ultimately sacrifices His life for the sake of humanity.

In a world that often values power and prestige, Jesus challenges us to lead by serving, to find greatness in humility, and to seek honor through love and service to others. This is the heart of servant leadership—a leadership that reflects the character of Christ.

The Marines have a mnemonic for leadership: “JJ Did Tie Buckle”. It is to remind leaders of the most essential attributes of leadership: justice, judgment, dependability, initiative, decisiveness, tact, integrity, endurance, bearing, unselfishness, courage, knowledge, loyalty, enthusiasm.  At its core the leadership message is to focus on the men and women you lead. Take care of them and they will take care of the mission.

Said the same way: Christian leadership takes care of the flock so that the flock can take care of the mission.

Image credit: “Lasset die Kindlein zu mir kommen” (Let the little children come to me) | Anonymous | 1841 | Dorotheum | PD-US Public Domain