PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Mark 10:35-45
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.” (Mark 10:44)
Jesus seems to be backwards in all He says and does.
In a time of disposable marriage, He advocated lifelong faithfulness.
Where children and disabled were disregarded, He valued and blessed them.
Where wealth and power were sought, He pressed for sacrificial giving and servanthood.
And He modeled it Himself, willing to die so that others might be saved.
In God’s kingdom, everything is opposite to what it is like in our world.
James and John are having a hard time entering God’s kingdom.
They were still looking out for #1, which is the opposite of God’s way.
We were made to love God and others, to be servants/slaves to all!
This ‘self-denial’ does not make us doormats, but treasures in God’s world.
Our true worth is revealed in selfless loving and serving.
Of course Jesus seems backwards in our sin-messed, selfish world.
What does it look like for me to think of myself as a servant, a slave?
How does it change the way I respond, spend, use my time, focus my energy?
PRAYER
Lord, my self-serving tendency is subtle, but it is there. Help me to find joy in serving others.
We are called to be living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to the Lord. Ambitions do not supercede this mandate, instead our ambitions need to reconcile with the fact that if we aim to be great, then we will serve the most. If we are serving ourselves, we are not great, despite our materials. Help me align my ambitions with your description of leadership!
Oh the privilege of serving the Lord. Like the disciples, my own ego or need for recognition and appreciation or ‘glory’ gets in the way. I’ve been raised on a pedestal before and don’t like it even though I feel appreciated. I know I just can’t measure up on my own. Rather humble service is better – and often less stressful. Do I avoid the demands of more responsibility because its more stressful? I think I naturally do – seeking the easy way out. Responsibilities have come my way as I do my best to serve – I know that Jesus will empower me if I serve for the right reasons – whatever challenges he gives me – especially those that are tied with recognition and responsibility.
The JOY principle.
Jesus Others Yourself.
Jesus is always first in all I do and say. I am living for Jesus.
Others are in second place, I need to place them/serve them/think of their needs before my own. As Christ came to serve I must do the same.
Yourself – me – I am in last place. I need to place others’ interests before my own. I am not my own but Christ’s. His interests before mine. WWJD.
Serve Him, serve Him
All ye little children
God is love, God is love
Serve Him, serve Him
All ye little children
God is love, God is love