Scripture: Mark 10:35-45 (NIV)

³⁵ Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do for us whatever we ask.”³⁶ “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked.

³⁷ They replied, “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.”

³⁸ “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?” ³⁹ “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, ⁴⁰ 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.” ⁴¹ When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John.⁴² 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. ⁴³ Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, ⁴⁴ and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.⁴⁵ 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.”

Although the disciples see him in action and hear his teachings, they still didn’t understand that Jesus’ Kingdom is different. Jesus uses the moment to teach them that greatness in His Kingdom is radically different. Among Jesus’ disciples it will be unlike the culture of the Roman Empire:  

• You want to be first?  Be last!
• You want to be greatest? Be least!
• You want to find yourself? Lose yourself!
• You want to be exalted? Be humble!
• You want power?  Serve others!

Jesus serves as our model of humility, love, sacrifice and service. “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.”  

Note: All Scriptures are New International Version (NIV) unless otherwise noted

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