One of the poems I've written based on a Gospel passage...

The argument is as old as the first siblings, you see

Who is the greater of us, you or me?

The question is silly, since everyone knows


I’m greater than you, its as plain as your nose

So it was with the disciples out walking one day

Two brothers were greater than the rest, so they say

Jesus asked what it was they were talking about

They said, “we’re greater than the rest, of this there's no doubt.”

“Is that so,” he said, his eyes piercing theirs

“You two are the greatest of any other pairs?”

Their grins and their nods, disclosed their pride

But the other disciples were not on their side

The others were angry, feeling betrayed

By this obvious arrogance so callously displayed

But before a fight of words and fists began

Jesus explained what greatness meant in God’s grand plan

To be great means something other than being best

It means putting yourself last, not ahead of the rest

The greatest isn’t the one before whom all others bow

Let me explain what that means before you ask how

As your teacher I am here to serve and to show

There’s a much better way than the one you all know

And if the greatest is what you really want to be

Then a cross you’ll take up and come follow me

Because greatness isn’t comfort while others toil hard

Sometimes it’s washing stinky feet and anointing with nard

Sometimes the servant is mistreated and mocked

But it’s servants’ hearts I seek and on whose doors I have knocked

The brothers and others all looked concerned

This wasn’t the privilege they thought they’d earned

The awkward silence seemed to last a day past forever

When the brothers decided they hadn’t been so clever

My friends, that was a long, long time ago

And the world has scars of wars to show

That we think greatness and wealth and power are worth

Sacrificing one’s soul to be the best on the earth

And the mystery still continues, year following year

Since the greatness that Jesus showed is just so unclear

How can the servant be greater than the served?

That’s opposite of what we all think we deserved

So Jesus who was great became least of all

Bearing the cross he took everyone’s fall

It’s an upside down kingdom, here and above

As we’re summoned to follow in his model of love

© Stephen Carl