May 4

Mark 10:35-45 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:

Journal Entry

Scripture

42 And Jesus called them to him and said to them, "You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 43But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 44and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. 45For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Observation

James and John is so much like many of us. They told Jesus, “ …we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” Don’t we pray like this, demanding things when we don’t know the full ramifications of what we are asking? Our human nature is to desire “bigger” and “better” even in the context of spiritual leadership---vying for the top honored positions. Even James and John, already in the inner circle among the disciples were not satisfied. They wanted a guarantee of their positions when Jesus sits on His throne as King. They had the wrong view of obtaining God’s Kingdom by favoritism or political power.

Jesus tells them, God’s view of leadership is quite opposite of what their society deemed a great leader---complete power over those they rule. But among believers, those who want to be great has to be a “servant” and whoever wants to be first has to be a “slave” of all, giving Himself as an example. Jesus who by very nature God became human so that He could serve and even give up His life to pay the price for many instead of being served.

Application

We, like James and John, miss the main point of the gospel message because we just glean from it only what we want. Didn’t they hear what Jesus had just told them (Mark 10:33-34) about His death, how He will be mocked, spit upon, flogged and killed? But all they could think about was who was going to take the place of honor. Like them, we want the glory without the sacrifice and suffering.

How can I follow Jesus’ example of a great leader? Be humble---not striving to be in the place of recognition and honor but to serve and be a servant of all. Be obedient to God’s Words in the Bible as Christ was obedient to His Father’s desire that He voluntarily gave up His power, His rights, and His life so that all who believe can live eternally. Give up my pride, my desire to control and my greed for those things that don’t matter in the long run. And most of all not be afraid of suffering for Christ’s sake because it was through His great suffering I have life.

Prayer

Lord, I thank you that you answer my prayers with what is best and not what I demand. Along with the anticipation of glory eternally, help me not to fear suffering here and now but consider it a joy in suffering for you because I am sharing in Christ’s suffering. Help me to let go of my pride, the desire to control and greed so that I can be a humble servant of all---in my family, with my husband and children; in my church, in the ministries that I serve and to all who come; and to our missionaries who are ministering around the world for your Kingdom’s sake. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

--Kathleen Hong