Listen

Now when the other ten disciples heard about this, they became angry with James and John. Jesus called them over and said, “You know that the ones who are considered the rulers by the Gentiles show off their authority over them and their high-ranking officials order them around. But that’s not the way it will be with you. Whoever wants to be great among you will be your servant. Whoever wants to be first among you will be the slave of all, for the Human One didn’t come to be served but rather to serve and to give his life to liberate many people.”

Mark 10:41-45

Think

Once word got out that James and John were trying to take the top spots next to Jesus, the rest of the disciples were angry. Perhaps they were upset that the two brothers had made their request first. Perhaps they were concerned that now only “lesser” positions in Jesus’ coming reign would be available.

Jesus quickly steps in to stop the argument. He offers them an important lesson about greatness. True greatness isn’t revealed by how well we order others around or by how we use our power to taunt or humiliate those around us. True greatness comes through service.

Jesus’ power is made known in his humility. His true glory comes in the most unlikely place: the cross. What humankind created to cause harm and death, Jesus transformed into a symbol of life and hope.

Our world, it seems, is obsessed with the wrong kind of power – power over, rather than power to serve. May we as followers of Jesus use what power we have to serve those in need.

Jennifer Christenson

Pray

God, I want to be humble like Jesus, but it is so tempting to use my status to put others down rather than build up. Turn my eyes back to the cross and empower me to use what you give me in service to others. Amen.

Go

Servant of God, you are loved, you are holy, and you are worthy.

Now, go in peace, in humility, and in joy to serve the Savior who humbled himself for you.