Servant (Mark 10:32-45)

James and John asked Jesus for places at His right and left in His kingdom (Mark 10:32-45), and why not? They were Jesus’ closest friends, in the inner circle of three (Peter, James and John) of the larger group of twelve. They were with Him when He gave life back to a twelve-year-old girl who died in her sickness. He took them up on the mountain where they saw Him in His glory with Elijah and Moses. He called them, even after this discussion, to leave the twelve and stay with Him in the Garden of Gethsemane where He prayed drops of blood before He suffered and died on the cross. It seemed natural for them to seek positions of authority in His kingdom.
      Yet, their request came immediately after He told them of His coming suffering, death and resurrection. Why did they skip over the suffering and go to kingdom thinking? Maybe they didn’t understand the suffering part. Maybe they were afraid to ask. Jesus’ response to their question was not what anyone would expect. "To sit at my right or left is not for me to grant," He said. "These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared" (Mark 10:40).  Then Jesus told the disciples, "You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant" (Mark 10:41-43). They had to understand what it meant to be servants, not servant-leaders.  We might think Jesus meant that being a servant was to lead with a servant heart. God knows we need people who govern with love, humility and compassion, but in this passage Jesus meant servant. 
     Jesus set the example at the Last Supper when He took off His robe and wrapped a towel around His waist to wash the disciples’ feet. He left His place in Heaven to come to Earth to serve—to heal the sick, to make the blind see, the deaf hear, the mute talk. He cleansed lepers and delivered people from demon possession. He raised the dead and fed the hungry. He suffered rejection, persecution, and execution, not what we would expect of a leader, especially King of the Jews. 

Think About It
     Why did Jesus serve this way? Why would He want us to follow Him, to be servants. He wants us to show love and compassion to a lost and dying world. His kingdom begins with Him, His ways and His teaching. We, His followers, can learn from Him how He loved. He loved us so much He laid down His life for us so we could experience forgiveness for our sins and inherit the hope of an eternity with Him. This incredible hope changes who we are. It makes us people of God, people who will reach out to others, people who will reign with Him in the New Heavens and New Earth. What amazing love! What glorious hope!

Pray About It
     Thank you, Jesus, for your word that transforms us into servants for your glory in your kingdom, now and forever. Amen.
 
            

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