Mark 10:35-45

Be Still: I want to take the time, Lord, to hear your voice and to consider what you might want to say to me today. Amen

Read: Mark 10:35-45

And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came up to him and said to him, Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.’  And he said to them, What do you want me to do for you?’  And they said to him, ‘Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.’  Jesus said to them, ‘You do not know what you are asking. ….. 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. (v35-38 & 42-44) 

Encounter: Before we criticise James and John for wanting the top places of honour in Jesus’ future kingdom, perhaps we should consider our own thinking and motives in how we want other people to see us. 

The desire to have praise and value in the eyes of those we know and respect is, for many of us, a very real longing, even if we don’t act upon it. The converse - which is to be looked down on, or criticised, or (even worse) disregarded, is often a major fear and cause of inward anxiety - what if I get something wrong or make a mistake? (It would be the end of the world!)

Jesus openly attacked (quite pointedly) the scribes and pharisees of his day, for parading their piety before others and wanting the best places at community events. His reaction and words illustrate how totally different and counter-cultural he wants things to be in the kingdom of God. Self-seeking, personal glory and pride have no place and we are called to be humble, to consider others better than ourselves and to serve others whole-heartedly - ‘but in humility count others more significant than yourselves’ (Philippians 2:3). 

Once we have learned some lessons in this area (and sometimes God has to deal with us quite strongly to get the message across) we can be freed to be more widely used in serving God and blessing others.

A consequence of James and John’s approach to Jesus was the reaction of the other disciples and the bad feeling and division it created. What is encouraging is how Jesus loved John and James and continued to include them in his closest friendship group. He is so forgiving and full of love towards us too, even when we let him down.

Apply: If Jesus’ rebuke and words speak to us, let us repent before him and seek to banish the pride and self-seeking that often clings so closely.

Devote: Dear Lord, I do recognise a desire in me to well-regarded and impress others. Take any pride and self-seeking from me and help me to be a humble servant.