Last week I had the privilege of speaking with a young man that was quite excited to tell me about how the Lord has changed him. Before coming to Christ, he thought that pleasing himself was his purpose in life. He spent his time in this pursuit, which resulted in a demolished marriage among many other regrets. It was so refreshing to hear him explain what he now knows, that life is not about us! Now he is living to please and serve Christ, and is so grateful!
James and John had this problem as seen in the interchange with Jesus in Mark 10:35-45. They asked Jesus, “Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask.” Jesus asked them what they wanted for themselves and kindly discussed their request: “that we may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on Your left, in Your glory.” When the ten heard this, “they were greatly displeased with James and John.”
At this point, Jesus sets the record straight. They are not to be following the pattern of the Gentiles, the “great ones”, who lord it over others. Instead, “whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all.” He concludes the discussion by explaining why He came:
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
May this truth sink deeper and deeper in our lives each day as we appropriate His grace to be servants!