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
As people who through our baptism have a new relationship with God through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we are called also to new relationships with God's people who journey with us in this world. We are empowered to live in relationships that are close, loving and intimate. We are called to see all of God's people as colleagues with us on our trek through life and faith.
Seeing others as colleagues and equals means seeing them as no better or less than ourselves. As equals, we are also called to be servants to one another—called to find ways to take what God has given to us and share it with everyone we meet.
Prayer
Gracious God, you have given us new lives and new relationships with you and with other people. Help us to enjoy these relationships. As we do so, help us to find ways to serve our neighbors and share those things you have given to us with them. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.