35 Ya`akov and Yochanan, the sons of Zavdai, came near to him, saying, "Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we will ask."
36 He said to them, "What do you want me to do for you?"
37 They said to him, "Grant to us that we may sit, one at your right hand, and one at your left hand, in your glory."
38 But Yeshua said to them, "You don't know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, and to be immersed with the immersion that I am immersed with?"
39 They said to him, "We are able." Yeshua said to them, "You shall indeed drink the cup that I drink, and you shall be immersed with the immersion that I am immersed with;
40 but to sit at my right hand and at my left hand is not mine to give, but for whom it has been prepared."
41 When the ten heard it, they began to be indignant towards Ya`akov and Yochanan. 42 Yeshua summoned them, and said to them, "You know that they who are recognized as rulers over the Goyim lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 43 But it shall not be so among you, but whoever wants to become great among you shall be your servant. 44 Whoever of you wants to become first among you, shall be servant of all. 45 For the Son of Man also came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." - Mark 10:35-45 HNV
The advice that I read in a self-help book sounded good: Do only what you’re great at because that’s when you’ll feel most fulfilled. The author was trying to help readers create the kind of life they wanted. I don’t know about you, but if I did only what I was great at, I wouldn’t accomplish much!
In Mark 10, we read about two disciples, James and John, who had some plans for the kind of life they wanted for themselves someday. They asked to be at Jesus’ right and left hand in His kingdom (v.37). The other 10 disciples were “greatly displeased” with them for asking (v.41). (Possibly because that was the kind of position they wanted for themselves!)
But Jesus used the opportunity to teach His followers about another kind of life—one of serving others. He said, “Whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all” (vv.43-44). It appears that service for others is God’s design for us.
Even Jesus, the Son of God, “did not come to be served, but to serve” (v.45). As we look at Christ’s example and depend on the Holy Spirit’s help, we too can be servants and will create a fulfilling life.
I admit, Lord, that my eyes do get focused on
myself. But I really do want to live from a
heart of love for You. Teach me to be a servant
and to look for my fulfillment in You.
Great occasions for serving God come seldom, but little ones surround us daily.
