We Serve
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be
served, but to serve, and give His life as a ransom.” Mk. 10:45
Imagine it if you can:
a King; the King of kings in fact; God Himself in the flesh; our Savior;
saying He came to serve. He came to
serve, not to be served. Earlier in
Mark’s gospel, James and John ask Jesus for positions of honor, evidenced by
one sitting on His right side and the other on His left side. In their minds, this is a way in which they
can be recognized and acknowledged for all they have done. That is the way of the world: promotion; titles; positions of
prominence. The world views such things as greatness. Just take a
look sometime at the news – it speaks for itself about where secular values are
placed and what is considered important.
If we need the position, something is wrong with the foundation!
Jesus informs James and John that they really don’t know
what they are asking (much like the expression: be careful what you pray for!),
yet they persist. The other disciples
hear the conversation and controversy erupts.
In a matter of moments, the brothers have managed to sow discord with
their words that uncovered their ambitions.
Such self-focus created problems for the disciples, just as it can
create problems in churches and ministries today.
Jesus quietly and conclusively shreds the mind set of
James and John about greatness.
Understand these words of our Lord in 10:42: “…whoever
desires to become great among you shall be your servant.”
Jesus told the disciples, as He tells us today, that
greatness comes by serving. There is no
place for self-promotion in the Kingdom; no value in titles in the Kingdom; and
no use for positions of prominence.
Father, build in us
character. Shape us as Your vessels for
use in Your church to advance the Kingdom, for the purpose of Your glory. Refine us, Lord, that we may serve You. For who are we Lord Jesus, but Your
servants? We seek not crowns, but
character. We desire not to be famous,
but to develop fruit. Grow in us Lord,
compassion and remove comparison.
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