| Leviticus 25:47-27:13; Mark 10:32-52; Psalm 44:9-26; Proverbs 10:20-21
The two sons of Zebedee, James and John, had just asked Jesus if they could sit at his right and left hand in glory. This was a huge request as these are seats of honor. It was kind of forward of them to break from the other disciples so they could try to maneuver into those spots. Of course, it immediately set a wall between them and the other disciples who got downright indignant that they would even think to ask. However, it really just revealed their hearts. They wanted to be the big dogs sitting next to Jesus.
They had a skewed, base perception of leadership and power. Jesus knowing where they were coming from handled business and told them it wasn’t in His power to offer those positions, neither was it a major concern. Then He launched into the scripture below concerning leadership and power in the kingdom. Jesus called them over and said to them, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles dominate them, and their men of high positions exercise power over them. But it must not be like that among you. On the contrary, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be a slave to all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:42-45)
I’m curious, what’s your perspective? Do you see leadership as an opportunity to serve, or as a way to be served?
PRAYER:
Lord, help all of us in Your body to be servants. May we always race to the bottom of the totem pole. Father, forgive us of our sins of pride and prejudice. Teach us that promotion comes from You and there is no need to seek it or to be jealous of another person’s blessing. It is You who decides who gets the honored seats and it has everything to do with Your will and calling on our lives, nothing of self-effort. Help us to be humble and to remember Your kingdom does not run by the same rules of this worldly system. Heal us from esteem issues Lord. Teach us that we are all loved and are equally important in Your sight. In the name of Jesus I pray, amen. |
