35 James and John, the two sons of Zebedee, came up to Jesus, saying, “Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask of You.” 36 And He said to them, “What do you want Me to do for you?” 37 They said to Him, “Grant that we may sit, one on Your right and one on Your left, in Your glory.” 38 But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” 39 They said to Him, “We are able.” And Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you shall drink; and you shall be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized. 40 But to sit on My right or on My left, this is not Mine to give; but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.” 41 Hearing this, the ten began to feel indignant with James and John. 42 Calling them to Himself, Jesus said to them, “You know that those who are recognized as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them; and their great men exercise authority over them. 43 But it is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant; 44 and whoever wishes to be first among you shall 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 a ransom for many.” ~ Mark 10:35-45 (NASB)
Two thousand years after Jesus taught His disciples that anyone who wishes to be great in God’s Kingdom must serve others, the world still puts people with money or power first. We should give honor and respect to the people who volunteer in homeless shelters, mow the grass for a single mother, call the homebound and sick, teach Sunday School, or serve in countless other ways. And we should strive to be more like them.
Lord, empower me by the Holy Spirit to judge others by their actions, not their positions. Lead me to give more attention to serving others than to acquiring recognition for myself. Open my eyes to the needs around me and show me what I can do to serve Your Kingdom. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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