Mark 10:33-45
Jesus is explaining the single most important event in the history of the world to his disciples and James and John selfishly ask Jesus to elevate them…”Grant that we may sit one on Your right hand and the other on Your left in Your glory.”
Jesus, tells them, “you do not know what you ask.”
Okay, so where am I so self centered and self focused that I am missing completely the main thing Jesus is trying to teach me…the resurrection in this case with the fellas?!
The boys answer Jesus, “we are able,” to drink the crucifying death” Jesus suffered through. They are trying so hard in the flesh to gain spiritual things…let’s try and avoid that today.
The other disciples were not happy; “when the ten heard it, they began to be greatly displeased with James and John.”
This is why pastors fight amongst themselves, why we as sheep argue, why our own self interest goes against the work of the Spirit and ends up creating death in relationships.
Me
My flesh
My selfishness
Jesus, however as usual comes through:
“But Jesus called them to Himself and said to them…whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all.”
Love how Jesus cuts through the competition and simply and lovingly sets everyone straight…
I am about to give my life as a sacrifice for all mankind.
You guys will give your lives for the Gospel sake too (except John).
In living your life, remember to die to your selfish desires. In that death I will give you power over serpents and scorpions, and life everlasting in heaven and life supernatural here on earth.
Where will Jesus change your thinking about yourself today?