JULY 31, 2023 – NOT TO RULE, BUT TO SERVE

READ: Mark 10: 35-45

“And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many“. – Mark 10:44,45

For the third time, the Lord announces His suffering (vs. 32-34). The disciples do not respond to it. However, two of them ask if one can sit on His left and the other on His right in His glory. Their question reveals that their thoughts are not focused on His suffering, but solely on His glory. They still cannot comprehend His suffering. They are thinking about the best positions in His Kingdom. 

Apparently, what Jesus recently said about this (9:37) did not affect them at all. They want to grasp the glory immediately and benefit themselves. The other disciples also seem to have the same desire, as they react angrily. Here we encounter the selfishness of human beings! And what a painful realization this must have been for the Lord Jesus! 

Yet, He patiently continues to teach them: it is not for Me to grant the positions at My right and left hand. It will be given to those for whom it is intended. Then Jesus delves deeper into the selfishness and ambition of His disciples. The way it happens with the rulers of the earth should not happen among His own. Whoever wants to be important in the church must be a servant, even a slave to all. 

In doing so, He points to Himself as the great example of sacrificial service. He came as the Son of Man, God’s Son who became human, not to be served. No! He will give His soul, His life, to redeem many and to free them from the power of sin and death. Let us follow His example of self-surrender, sacrificial, and selfless love. That is what determines our place in His Kingdom.

What is your service to others in the church?

Singing: Ps. 112:2