In a sermon he delivered in a Baptist church, the Rev. Martin Luther King preached about the Drum Major Instinct that characterizes some people today.
Jesus had just finished telling His disciples that He would be condemned to death. A mother was there but instead of commiserating with Jesus, she asked Him for special treatment for her two sons.
Every parent wants what is best for their children. What’s best however is not special treatment, awards, recognition … unless of course these are seen as gifts from God and are intended to be used in service of others. Being first would also mean being first to step up and lift up others.
Families praying today may want to thank God for the accomplishments of their children but also remind them that those accomplishments are gifts from God not only for them but to be used for the good of others.
For additional reading: The Third Prediction of the Passion
