One Year Bible Reading Day 61: Serving Through Faith

³⁷ They replied, “When you sit on your glorious throne, we want to sit in places of honor next to you, one on your right and the other on your left.” Mark 10:37


James and John, the sons of Zebedee, many scholars believe were Jesus' half-brothers.  Matthew's account  reveals that their mother came with them and spoke first,(Matt. 20:20,21), after which James and John repeated her  request.  If she was Jesus' aunt, the 3 undoubtedly hoped to capitalize on family ties with Jesus.


³⁸ But Jesus said to them, “You don’t know what you are asking! Are you able to drink from the bitter cup of suffering I am about to drink? Are you able to be baptized with the baptism of suffering I must be baptized with?”


This encounter reveals yet again the disciples' failure to understand Jesus' teaching on humility.  Even though Jesus had repeatedly warned the disciples that eventually He was going to Jerusalem to die, they still thought that Jesus' was going to resurrect the literal physical kingdom of Israel to a earthly power once again, so they were trying to get close to Jesus so they could get a good spot next to him when he came in power and authority.


Jesus did come in power and authority, not in the way though that the disciples and many Jews hoped.


Then in verses 41-45, Jesus' flips the whole conversation again on its head, by reminding His disciples  that being great and powerful was about SERVING through HUMILITY rather than an iron fist or sword.


What about us?  In America, often its the "strongest will survive" mentality that seems to help many to climb the corporate ladder to achieve a "temporary success" only to realize that it doesn't truly satisfy.


Unfortunately, it has also affected the Christians, because many of them have succumbed to the lie that they have to push their way to the top.  It has even gotten to some pastors where they are tempted to look for the next big position or church to lead.


What about you?  As we read Jesus' repeated comments about true discipleship, are you allowing Christ to be the CENTER of your life and rule from your heart and not just your hands.  


One Thing Challenge:  Serving God means loving God AND loving others from my heart!


P.T.
John 10:10