Read Mark 10:35-45
Jesus takes advantage of another teachable moment to let his disciples know their mission is all about serving, not being served. The disciples seem to be having a hard time understanding their purpose. That’s a lesson many of us need to hear over and over as well.
Our world is a very competitive place. It’s easy to fall into the trap of trying to win and forget our true mission in life. It’s not that God doesn’t want us to succeed, but we need to keep in mind how many kinds of rewards there are. The reward or prize we need to keep our eyes focused on is eternity with Jesus. There is nothing greater. James and John knew that and were even seeking a place of honor beside Jesus!
Serving others. What does that look like in your life? I picture my girls at the orphanage, working at an inner-city soup kitchen, and donating gently used items for the needy. Think of ways you enjoy serving the needs of people you know (like your church family) as well as those you don’t know yet.
Jesus made it clear. He said, “Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else.” We don’t have to be first. But we need to take away from Jesus’ words that serving others was the ideal he held up for himself and his own ministry on earth.
Jesus liked to refer to himself as the “Son of Man,” perhaps to emphasis his humanity. Mark records it here again. Jesus told his disciples, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” If we truly want to become more like Jesus, reflecting his character in our lives, here’s a clue of how to do it!
Thankfully, must of us are not called to give our lives and die for others, but we can honor Jesus and give our lives by serving others. Don’t rush past the word “ransom” in verse 45. This ransom is the price Jesus paid for you. Jesus bought your freedom from sin and death. Jesus sets us free through redemption. Jesus is our Redeemer.
Let’s pray. Lord, I, too, seek to be with you in eternity. I trust that you will have just the right spot picked out for me. You have also placed me in this world for the purpose of serving others. Thank you for giving me such a good example to follow. Help me to see clearly what that looks like for me, and how I can honor you with my service. In Jesus’ name.
