Indignant

Mark 10:35-45

Jesus, I want you to do what you do for us, whatever we ask of you, that’s very close to what the two sons of Zebedee, James and John ask of Jesus.  Now, before you get pious and make a statement of how self-centered and selfish that was, give some thought to your own prayer life. 

First, how did an all-knowing Jesus react to this request and remember He just told them He is going to die in a few short days.  “And he said to them, “What do you want me to do for you?”  He was well aware of what they were thinking, but He allowed them to ask the question so that you and I could learn a lesson from their request.

And verse 37; ^“And they said to him, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.”  In verse 38, we have Jesus’ response;  ^“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?”  Now often in ignorance, I make a statement, it is clear James and John had no understanding of what they had replied.  It’s recorded in verse 39, and we have Jesus’ reply; “And they said to him, “We are able.” And 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, but 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.”

Now the ten disciples heard about the request, and they were indignant, that means they were not happy but really upset at the arrogance of the two brothers.  And once more Jesus uses this as a teaching tool, for all who would take it into their hearts.  Shall we learn?  “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them.  But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all.  For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

It is rare to see a leader humble themself and take the role of a servant, but I have seen it lived out in a C.P.A. who became the worship leader at Crossroads in the Woodlands.  His name is Rocky Gilmore, and he is a servant who leads, never asking where is someone to mop the floor if it needs mopping, Rocky gets the bucket and begins to clean the floors.  Do they have a staff to do such lowly tasks, and the answer is yes, but that is just one example of how I’ve seen Rocky serve those in the body of Christ. 

Do you recall I have to fight each day not to want others to think of me as more important that both God and I know to be true?  It blesses my heart when I see my pastor’s wife willing to serve, and also most all of the staff at Oakwood; they may never know how it blesses one who is under their authority.

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice