Becoming Servants
Read Mark 10:41-45
Almost everyone has had an experience where others pass them by for positions they want. It could be as small as being chosen for a basketball game or passed over for promotion. No matter the size of the situation, it can sting.
I can only imagine how the other disciples feel as they hear James and John ask for a high position with Jesus. Jesus doesn’t give them their request, but it would still cause a stir. Of course, Jesus realizes this and, like always, tries to change the focus of the conversation to the kingdom instead of themselves.
He points out how the rulers of the Gentiles lord their power over them, but in the kingdom, power isn’t used that way. In the kingdom, the highest are the lowest by the world’s standards. And like any good teacher, he uses His own life as an example. He points out that He came to serve, not to be served.
If you look at the world’s most prominent rulers and leaders repeatedly, they acquire their power on the backs of others and obtain their power to make their lives exactly what they want. They scheme with others to organize their leadership. It can be easy in this world to try and force our way to the top by organizing our lives around those who lift us. All it takes is surrounding yourself with the people who have power. But in God’s kingdom, we are all called to serve.
Jesus came and spent time with those who were broken and hurting. He ultimately suffered and died at the hands of those whom the world deemed powerful to rescue every sinner as long as they put their faith in Him and not themselves or this world. Even if we don’t go so far as to scheme our way to the top, it is easy to seek success and comfort like the world instead of finding total contentment, peace, and joy in walking with Jesus.
Pause and Pray
How do you define yourself and your value?
Scan through the book of Mark looking at the way Jesus valued the broken. How did he show care to those who were broken He encountered?
Considering this how might Jesus define you and your value?
How does Jesus value others? How should we in turn value others?
Lord, lead us to be more consumed with you and who you have made us to be than what the world holds up as valulable. Amen
Walk in the Kingdom
How will you be more like Jesus and serve those around you this week?