Mark 10:41-45

Passage

When the other disciples heard about the request from James and John, they became indignant.  Jesus gathered them around and began to teach them.  He reminds the disciples that the Gentile rulers make it a point to remind everyone who is in charge and they throw their authority around.  Jesus tells them directly that they must not arrange themselves the same way.  The leaders among His followers must be the servants.  Those who desire to be first must be like slaves.  After all, Jesus Himself did not come to be served but to serve – and even to die for many.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Again we see another example of jealousy rear its ugly head.  Of course it does – jealousy is a natural human instinct.  That doesn’t make it right, mind you.  But it does make it natural and understandable.  However, what we see here is that Jesus doesn’t rebuke the jealousy.  Rather, he firmly but lovingly teaches against it.  Jesus takes it for the opportunity that it is.  Some of the best teaching moments come out of times when people are just being people.

Why is jealousy such a part of who we are?  Do you think you are always aware when jealousy is coming through you?  If you think back to some of the best lessons you’ve ever learned, did they seem pre-arranged or spur of the moment?  Do you think both kinds of lessons are important?

Second Thought:

Jesus tells His disciples that they should not live and organize themselves like the Gentiles.  That’s quite a significant point.  The world seeks authority, power, and dominance.  Jesus says that those things have little place in the kingdom.  Jesus tells His disciples that the work of the kingdom of God is servant’s work.  To be His disciple, one must serve.

What does it mean to lead as a servant?  What are ways that you can serve another person?  Is serving always easy?  What makes serving difficult?

Third Thought:

Jesus came and served.  That doesn’t mean that He didn’t have authority.  In fact, nobody who has ever lived had more authority than Him.  Yet, Jesus seems like He is always serving.  Every time we turn to a new story there is an example of Jesus in a servant role.  Of course, His trip to Jerusalem will cost Him His life.  This is the greatest act of service known to man.  Jesus literally demonstrates that being His disciple means to lay down one’s life and pick up whatever God desires of us.  The ultimate service is in service to the Lord.

What does it mean to say Jesus gave His life as a ransom for many?  What does it mean to you that Jesus laid down His life for you?  What kind of response does this invoke in you?  How much interest do you have in having a servant’s heart?

Passage for Tomorrow: Mark 10:46-48