A SERVANT’S HEART
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
When the ten other disciples heard what James and John had asked, they were indignant. So Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world Lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Mark 10:41-45 NLT
TODAY’S THOUGHT
James and John ask Jesus if they can sit on His right and left hand when they come into the kingdom. (I think they are still imagining a physical kingdom on the earth.) Jesus responds by asking them if they are willing to suffer like He will suffer. They say they are willing—we often think we are willing to suffer until the suffering starts. The other disciples get angry with James and John for asking for seats of privilege. There is obviously division in the camp. Everyone is vying for top dog. Jesus takes this opportunity to point out a kingdom principle that is very different from the world’s view. Jesus says leaders are servants and slaves. Then He concludes with, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” If we want to be followers of Jesus, we have to be willing to include suffering and serving in the picture. True followers of Jesus are willing to be uncomfortable for the sake of others. We put others first. We serve others without the motivation of wanting to get recognition or rewards. True servants don’t wait to be asked to serve. They are just looking for ways to serve. Servants want to make life better for others. To be a servant we must deny ourselves and refuse to be controlled by the flesh. Our flesh is selfish.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Holy Spirit, I ask You to help me have a servant’s heart. Help me to want to serve others.
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