BACKGROUND AND LINKS
178. Jesus teaches about serving others: Matthew 20:20-28, Mark 10:35-45
The fact that the mother of the sons of Zebedee made the request has led some to believe that she was the sister of Mary because only a close family relationship would prompt such a bold request. Some also believe her request was at the urging of the two sons! Jesus instructed them that honor in the kingdom of heaven came with the price of suffering, and it was not His to grant but the Father's. This teaching illustrates that the disciples had not yet grasped that "the way up is down" and that the Son of man did not come to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many (Matthew 20:28; Mark 10:45). You cannot have honor without humility. It also illustrates an ambitious desire for position rather than having the heart of a servant.
REFLECTION/APPLICATION
The story about the disciples seeking positions of honor reminded me of some people I have worked with who were in it for the glory, honor, and title they received for doing "the Lord's work." They treated everyone else like their underlings and only served for show when others were looking, leaving all the dirty work for those underlings. It was tough and heart-wrenching to watch.
Are you looking for a position of honor as a believer or are you looking where you can serve? Jesus said that He did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many. Give your life away today by serving someone unexpectedly and uncharacteristically. Maybe you can listen to someone's hurt and pray with them. Maybe you can do a service to a widow in your neighborhood. The possibilities are endless!
PRAYER
Lord, we praise You for Your grace that is unmerited and bestowed on us regardless of our labor but because of Your great love. Thank You that Your grace propels us to serve You in the harvest fields of the world. May we serve with no ambition for honor or glory other than glorifying You. We follow the example of Jesus. Amen.
I have come to realize that having a "position" is very important for some people. When they lose their position of significance in life, they feel lost. I am still praying about how to assist people in overcoming this and appreciating their position as a child of God. Still thinking through all of this.
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