“These Places Belong To Those For Whom They Were Prepared”

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.”

Mark 10:35-45

If we only did the things we were really great at, we would not accomplish much.

In Mark 10 we learn about two brothers, who had some plans for the kind of life they wanted for themselves someday. They did not know that God makes those plans, they don’t. Jesus used the opportunity to teach His followers another kind of life – one of serving others.

Remember, Jesus did not come to earth to be served. He came here to serve others. People watched Him, and they still do. As we look at Christ’s example and depend on the Holy Spirit’s help, we too can be servants and will create a fulfilling life.

Great occasions for serving God come seldom, but little ones surround us daily.

Our Daily Bread – July 18, 2013