Slaves of All

Mk. 10:42-45

"And Jesus called them to him and said to them, "You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

The conversation began with James and John asking Jesus to grant their desire, their desire to be seated at His right and left hand in His glory. Were they thinking of heaven, or did they envision Him sitting on an earthly throne in Jerusalem? Regardless, they wanted some personal power, something in return for all that they had given up. When Jesus peppered them with the hard questions, [Could they drink His cup? Could they be baptized with His baptism? ] they unequivocally answered yes. They felt they could stand and fight with Jesus, but I am not sure they really understood the cup of suffering that Jesus was soon to drink. However, Jesus did acknowledge that they would suffer with Him, but even with that, the seats they desired were not His to give. Those seats were prepared by the Father for someone of His choosing.
 
This whole conversation brought dissension among the disciples; in fact, many were indignant. Was it because they thought James and John had overstepped their bounds, or was it because they asked for this honor before they had had the chance to ask? Was it personal jealousy or loving concern for Jesus? Jesus did not deal with their heart motives directly, but instead taught them a great principle in His kingdom. He explained that the Gentile world leaders lord it over their followers exercising great authority. Such a situation as this would make it desirable to be a ruler, but with Jesus it was not so. The one who would be great would be a servant, and the one who desired to be first would be the slave of all. Even Jesus came not to be served, but to serve, to give His life a ransom for many. The example of His life illustrated the extent of His self-sacrifice.
 
Perhaps at this point, James and John were kicking themselves. Instead of being first in His kingdom, they would be slaves of all. How foolish it is to bring the world system into Christianity! God's way is counter to the world's way. To be great for God means to be nothing in this world, to give up all that you possess, and to serve others unreservedly and wholeheartedly.  How hard that is! The human heart grasps tightly to what the world offers, the position, the possession, the wealth, and the pleasures. Amazingly, even with Jesus in the heart, the grasp struggles to hang on. Thankfully, Jesus gives His power and grace, to pry loose the grasping fingers when the heart is willing, and even then, He makes the heart willing. Amazing grace!
 
Father,
Make my heart willing to serve others without seeking something for myself. Dethrone my self and let Jesus reign.
In His name,
Amen