God's Gospel Truths
Mark 10:35-45
Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do for us whatever we ask.” “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked. They replied, “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.”
“You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said. “Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?” “We can,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared.”
When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John. Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must 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.”
Pondering Point
If you looked for a person who had the greatest potential within him, able to do almost anything he set his mind to, Jesus would fit that bill. And for all of the things that He could have done (including overthrowing Rome which some wanted Him to do), those who follow His story know that He used whatever was at His disposal in service to others.
So when He says that "I did not come to be served but to serve", He backed it up with His very life. Not just His death (a huge sacrifice in itself!) but the life He lived was one of service and investment in others.
Jesus came to serve,
and He wants you to
follow His example.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, mold and shape me to be more like you seeking to serve rather than be served. In Your name I pray. Amen.