Mark 10: 35-45 (NRSV)
Read Mark 10: 35-45 on biblegateway.com
Verse 35James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to him and said to him, "Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you." Verse 36And he said to them, "What is it you want me to do for you?" Verse 37And they said to him, "Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory." Verse 38But Jesus said to them, "You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?" Verse 39They replied, "We are able." Then Jesus said to them, "The cup that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; Verse 40but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared."
Verse 41When the ten heard this, they began to be angry with James and John. Verse 42So Jesus called them and said to them, "You know that among the Gentiles those whom they recognize as their rulers lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. Verse 43But it is not so among you; but whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, Verse 44and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all. Verse 45For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many."
Devotion
Jesus put the question to James and John, "Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?" Essentially he was asking them if they were ready to suffer along with him. He was reminding them that there is no place of honor without suffering. To be great is to serve; to be first is to be the servant of all. That was the short course on following Jesus. Caring about the things that wound others will open our hearts to their pain, and that comes with its own suffering. Part of this call of God, part of our baptismal covenant—caring for others and the world God made, working for justice and peace—means that we are joined not only to Christ, but to this world. To be great has nothing to do with oppressive power or self-importance. We are here to serve.
Prayer
Gracious God, we give you thanks that we are joined to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Make us a servant church; open our eyes and our hearts to the needs around us and keep us close to you. Amen.