december

december’s path project :: last is the new first

this month we are exploring Jesus’ teaching to take last place and serve others.  the path project this month is called ”last is the new first”  based on the words of Jesus:

“Do you want to stand out? Then step down. Be a servant. If you puff yourself up, you’ll get the wind knocked out of you. But if you’re content to simply be yourself, your life will count for plenty.”  Matthew 23

here’s the task:

in this month when shopping malls are full of rushed, pushing consumers choose to be last:

…in the parking lot (saving those close, open spaces for expectant mothers, senior adults, or disabled persons)

…in the checkout line (giving the spot in the shorter line to the mom with 3 “energetic” youngsters)

… at the dinner table.  be the last to sit down and the first to load others’ plates or fill their drinks.

…around the christmas tree.  make sure others have their gifts before you tear into yours.

… to hold a grudge.  instead be the first to let it go… 

How will you express “last is the new first” this month? tell us your experience on the message boards!

Some resources:

“Last Place People”. A blog community choosing to have power under people rather than power over them, and the story of their journey together.

Books About Humility and “Last-ness”

Videos of a Foot-washing ministry/movement for homeless individuals.

what Jesus said/did regarding “Humility/Last-ness”:

Do you want to stand out? Then step down. Be a servant. If you puff yourself up, you’ll get the wind knocked out of you. But if you’re content to simply be yourself, your life will count for plenty.

Matthew 23

 

 

 

 

33They came to Capernaum. When he was safe at home, he asked them, “What were you discussing on the road?” 34The silence was deafening—they had been arguing with one another over who among them was greatest. 35He sat down and summoned the Twelve. “So you want first place? Then take the last place. Be the servant of all.”  Mark 9

 

 

 

 

6Jesus knew that the Father had put him in complete charge of everything, that he came from God and was on his way back to God. So he got up from the supper table, set aside his robe, and put on an apron. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the feet of the disciples, drying them with his apron. When he got to Simon Peter, Peter said, “Master, you wash my feet?” 7Jesus answered, “You don’t understand now what I’m doing, but it will be clear enough to you later.” 8Peter persisted, “You’re not going to wash my feet—ever!”
   Jesus said, “If I don’t wash you, you can’t be part of what I’m doing.” 9“Master!” said Peter. “Not only my feet, then. Wash my hands! Wash my head!” 10-12Jesus said, “If you’ve had a bath in the morning, you only need your feet washed now and you’re clean from head to toe. My concern, you understand, is holiness, not hygiene. So now you’re clean. But not every one of you.” (He knew who was betraying him. That’s why he said, “Not every one of you.”) After he had finished washing their feet, he took his robe, put it back on, and went back to his place at the table. 12-17Then he said, “Do you understand what I have done to you? You address me as ‘Teacher’ and ‘Master,’ and rightly so. That is what I am. So if I, the Master and Teacher, washed your feet, you must now wash each other’s feet. I’ve laid down a pattern for you. What I’ve done, you do. I’m only pointing out the obvious. A servant is not ranked above his master; an employee doesn’t give orders to the employer. If you understand what I’m telling you, act like it—and live a blessed life.  John 13