JESUS AND SERVING OTHERS (MARK 10:35-45)
A REFLECTION
Mark records that john and James went to Jesus with their mother request; in Matthew, their mother also made the request; there is no contradiction in the accounts-mother and sons were in agreement in requesting honored places in Christ kingdom.
The disciples like most jews of that day, had the wrong idea of the Messiah's kingdom as predicted by the Old Testament Prophets. They thought that Jesus would establish an earthly kingdom that will free Israel from Rome's oppression, and James and John wanted honored places in it. But Jesus' kingdom is not of this world. It is not centered in palaces and Thrones but in hearts lives of His followers. The disciples did not understand this until after resurrection.
James and John said the were willing to face any trial for Christ. Both did suffer, James died as a martyr (Act 12:2), John was forced to live in exile (Rev. 1:9). It is easy to say we will endure anything for Christ, and yet most of us complain over the most minor problem.
If we are willing to suffer on a large scale for Christ, we must also be willing to suffer irritation that comes with serving others (ref: Mark 10:38-40).
Jesus did not ridicule James and John for asking, but He denied their request. we can feel free to ask God anything but our request may or may not be denied. God wants to give us what is best for us, not merely what we want. He denies some request for our good (Mark 10:42-45).
James and John wanted the highest position in Jesus' kingdom. But Jesus told them that true greatness comes in serving others. Peter, or one of the disciples who heard the message expands the thought in (1peter 5:1-4) Most Business Organizations and Institutions measure greatness by high personal achievements. In Christ kingdom, however, service the way to get ahead. The desire to get on top will hinder nothing but first help others. Rather than seeking to have your needs met, look for ways that you can minister to the needs of others (Mark 10:45).
The verse reveals not only the motive of Jesus Ministry but also the Basis of our salvation. A ransom was the price paid to release a slave. Jesus paid a ransom for us because we could not pay it ourselves. His death released all of us from our slavery of sin. The disciples thought Jesus' life and power would save them from Rome. Jesus said that His death would save them from sin, an even greater slavery than Rome's (1peter 1:18-19). And not only to the Jews but all human Race. Thanks to Jesus for His saving power, we are free from the power of sin and it's yoke.
With this privilege, i say HAPPY EASTER TO ALL MY WONDERFUL VIEWERS. I LOVE YOU ALL.
Mark records that john and James went to Jesus with their mother request; in Matthew, their mother also made the request; there is no contradiction in the accounts-mother and sons were in agreement in requesting honored places in Christ kingdom.
The disciples like most jews of that day, had the wrong idea of the Messiah's kingdom as predicted by the Old Testament Prophets. They thought that Jesus would establish an earthly kingdom that will free Israel from Rome's oppression, and James and John wanted honored places in it. But Jesus' kingdom is not of this world. It is not centered in palaces and Thrones but in hearts lives of His followers. The disciples did not understand this until after resurrection.
James and John said the were willing to face any trial for Christ. Both did suffer, James died as a martyr (Act 12:2), John was forced to live in exile (Rev. 1:9). It is easy to say we will endure anything for Christ, and yet most of us complain over the most minor problem.
If we are willing to suffer on a large scale for Christ, we must also be willing to suffer irritation that comes with serving others (ref: Mark 10:38-40).
Jesus did not ridicule James and John for asking, but He denied their request. we can feel free to ask God anything but our request may or may not be denied. God wants to give us what is best for us, not merely what we want. He denies some request for our good (Mark 10:42-45).
James and John wanted the highest position in Jesus' kingdom. But Jesus told them that true greatness comes in serving others. Peter, or one of the disciples who heard the message expands the thought in (1peter 5:1-4) Most Business Organizations and Institutions measure greatness by high personal achievements. In Christ kingdom, however, service the way to get ahead. The desire to get on top will hinder nothing but first help others. Rather than seeking to have your needs met, look for ways that you can minister to the needs of others (Mark 10:45).
The verse reveals not only the motive of Jesus Ministry but also the Basis of our salvation. A ransom was the price paid to release a slave. Jesus paid a ransom for us because we could not pay it ourselves. His death released all of us from our slavery of sin. The disciples thought Jesus' life and power would save them from Rome. Jesus said that His death would save them from sin, an even greater slavery than Rome's (1peter 1:18-19). And not only to the Jews but all human Race. Thanks to Jesus for His saving power, we are free from the power of sin and it's yoke.
With this privilege, i say HAPPY EASTER TO ALL MY WONDERFUL VIEWERS. I LOVE YOU ALL.
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