Wis. 2:12, 17-20; Jas. 3:16-4:3; Mk. 9:30-37
Genesis 37 tells us the story of the Plot Against Joseph. Joseph’s brothers were filled with jealousy when they saw their father’s special love for him and heard about Joseph’s dreams of future greatness. Instead of seeking reconciliation or understanding, they plotted to get rid of him. Using deceit and cunning, they initially planned to kill Joseph but later sold him into slavery, deceiving their father by dipping his coat in blood. This act of cruelty was fueled by human wisdom twisted by envy, as they sought to eliminate the one who threatened their sense of importance.
In 2 Samuel 15 we read about the Conspiracy of Absalom. Absalom, King David’s son, plotted to usurp his father’s throne by employing shrewd political maneuvering. He strategically positioned himself at the city gates, winning the favor of the people by pretending to care for their grievances. Through deception and
manipulation, Absalom slowly undermined David’s authority, presenting himself as a better ruler in the eyes of the people. His cunning plan to overthrow his own father is a classic example of using human wisdom for selfish and destructive purposes. Esther 3-7 narrates the Plot of Haman. Haman, a high-ranking official in King Xerxes' court, developed a bitter hatred for Mordecai, a Jew who refused to bow to him. Rather than dealing with the situation personally, Haman devised a sinister plan to not only kill Mordecai but to wipe out the entire Jewish people in the Persian Empire. He used his influence and intellect to manipulate the king into signing a decree for the mass extermination of the Jews. Haman’s evil plan, driven by pride and vengeance, was a calculated abuse of power and human wisdom for evil, but it ultimately led to his downfall.
These examples demonstrate how human wisdom, when disconnected from God's guidance, can lead to malicious and destructive plans against the righteous.
In Shakespeare’s Play Othello this theme is depicted very well. Iago’s plot against Othello is driven by deep-seated jealousy and a thirst for power. Iago feels slighted when Othello, the Moorish general of Venice, promotes Cassio instead of him. This perceived injustice fuels Iago's resentment, and he begins to scheme against both Othello and Cassio. His jealousy is further compounded by an unfounded suspicion that Othello has been romantically involved with his wife, Emilia. This personal envy combines with professional ambition, pushing Iago to undermine Othello’s life and career.
Iago’s cunning nature is revealed through his manipulation of Othello's insecurities. Recognizing Othello's deep love and trust in his wife, Desdemona, Iago weaves a web of deceit, convincing Othello that she is unfaithful with Cassio. Iago’s ability to manipulate others is pivotal to his success—he exploits Roderigo’s desire for Desdemona, Cassio’s trusting nature, and Othello’s vulnerability to jealousy. By subtly planting the idea of Desdemona’s infidelity, he sets a chain of events in motion that leads Othello to doubt, rage, and eventually murder.
At the heart of Iago’s scheme is his desire for power. He seeks not only to ruin Othello’s marriage but also to elevate his own position by destroying the reputations of those around him. His plots are driven by the belief that he deserves more, and that others, particularly Othello, have wronged him. Iago’s manipulative genius lies in his ability to present himself as loyal and honest, while secretly orchestrating the downfall of those he envies. His pursuit of power ultimately brings destruction to all involved, including himself.
Wisdom of Solomon 2:12-20 vividly describes the mindset of the wicked who plot against the righteous one. It says:
"Let us lie in wait for the righteous man, because he is inconvenient to us and opposes our actions."
This prophetic description fits the way the Pharisees plotted against Jesus, resenting Him for exposing their sins and threatening their control over the people. They applied their version of "wisdom" to plan His demise.
Human pride and worldly wisdom can be twisted into instruments of malice, especially when it conflicts with righteousness and the truth.
In contrast to the godless ones who apply human wisdom to their evil deeds, seeking power, status, and control, Jesus offers a radically different path. In Mark 9:30-37, Jesus directly addresses the disciples' argument about who among them is the greatest. They had been caught up in the same human mindset that drives people like Joseph’s brothers, Absalom, and Haman—the pursuit of personal greatness and the desire to be first. Jesus, knowing their hearts, does not rebuke them with condemnation but instead reorients their understanding by teaching them a profound truth: "Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all."
This teaching turns worldly wisdom upside down. While the godless seek to be first through manipulation, deceit, and the oppression of others, Jesus calls His followers to greatness through humility and service. True wisdom, in the eyes of God, is not found in self-promotion or in elevating oneself above others, but in serving others with a heart of love and humility. The ultimate example of this is Jesus Himself, who, though He was the Son of God, humbled Himself to the point of death on a cross. He served humanity by giving His life for their salvation, demonstrating that the path to true greatness lies in self-sacrificial love.
To illustrate this further, Jesus places a child in their midst, a symbol of innocence, humility, and dependence. In welcoming the child, Jesus teaches that embracing humility and serving those who are vulnerable or insignificant in the eyes of the world is equivalent to welcoming God Himself. This is the antidote to the godless wisdom that seeks power through selfish means. The way to overcome evil, Jesus teaches, is not through retaliation or the pursuit of worldly wisdom but through humble service, love, and welcoming the least among us. Thus, Jesus' concluding words—"Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all"—challenge us to reject the ways of the godless and instead walk in the wisdom of God, rooted in humility and service.
A powerful contemporary example of a humble one being exalted is Mother Teresa. Known for her deep humility and selfless service, she dedicated her life to caring for the poorest of the poor, the sick, and the dying in the slums of Calcutta, India. Despite having no desire for recognition or power, Mother Teresa’s humility and compassion for the least in society became a beacon of light for the world.
Mother Teresa lived by the principle of being the "servant of all." She did not seek greatness or accolades; instead, she chose to serve those who had no voice, no status, and no one to care for them. She often referred to herself as "God's pencil," merely an instrument in His hands. Her life of humility and love caught the attention of the world, and she was eventually exalted in the form of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 and widespread admiration. Even after her death, she was canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church in 2016, recognized not for seeking greatness but for her humility, service, and love for the least of God’s children.
Mother Teresa’s life beautifully exemplifies Jesus’ teaching: "Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all." Through her humble service, she became one of the most exalted figures of the 20th century, not by seeking power or position, but by lowering herself in service to others.
In conclusion, the contrast between the wisdom of the godless and the path of humility that Jesus teaches is striking and transformative. On one hand, we see from both biblical and contemporary examples how the godless apply human wisdom to further their evil plans, often driven by jealousy, pride, and a desire for power. Joseph’s brothers, Absalom, and Haman all sought to elevate themselves by bringing down the righteous, relying on manipulation and deceit to achieve their ends. However, as Scripture consistently reveals, such wisdom ultimately leads to destruction, as God’s justice prevails and the righteous are vindicated.
On the other hand, Jesus offers a radical alternative to this distorted wisdom—“Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.” Through humility and service, true greatness is achieved in God’s eyes. This is exemplified in both Jesus' own life and in contemporary figures like Mother Teresa, who, by humbling themselves and serving others, were exalted not through worldly power but through divine recognition. Jesus’ message teaches us that the path to overcoming the schemes of the godless is not through greater cunning or power but through humble service, love, and a heart open to the least among us.
Ultimately, the wisdom of the world may promise greatness through ambition and self-promotion, but the wisdom of God exalts those who lower themselves in service to others. In a world often driven by the pursuit of power and self-interest, Jesus calls us to follow a different path—one of humility, sacrifice, and love for the least, leading to true exaltation in God’s kingdom.
Practicing the humility and service that Jesus teaches requires a shift in perspective and priorities, as we strive to live out His call to be “last of all and servant of all.”
In a world that encourages competition and self-promotion, Jesus' message calls us to instead prioritize serving others. This means actively looking for opportunities to help those in need, whether through acts of kindness in our community, supporting a colleague at work, or simply being present for someone who is struggling. By choosing service over self-interest, we embody the humility that Jesus exemplified.
Practicing humility means letting go of the need to always be right or to be recognized for our achievements. It involves listening more than speaking, valuing others' opinions, and being willing to admit our mistakes. Whether in family, work, or friendships, humility fosters healthier, more loving relationships. It also involves welcoming the “least” in society—those who are marginalized or overlooked—treating them with the dignity and care that Jesus commands.
As we practice this radical humility in our daily lives, we trust that God sees our efforts, even when they are unseen by others. Just as Mother Teresa’s life of humble service became a beacon to the world, we too can be instruments of God’s love and grace in the lives of those around us. In the end, it is not human wisdom or power that exalts us, but the loving, sacrificial path of servanthood that leads to true honor in God’s eyes.
Satish