Servitude
Devotional
In this passage, we learn about servant leadership. Jesus contrasts the values of the world, where leaders exercise authority and seek to be served, with the values of the Kingdom of God. Jesus emphasizes that true greatness comes from being a servant to others.
32 They were on their way up to Jerusalem, with Jesus leading the way, and the disciples were astonished, while those who followed were afraid. Again he took the Twelve aside and told them what was going to happen to him. 33 “We are going up to Jerusalem,” he said, “and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the Gentiles, 34 who will mock him and spit on him, flog him and kill him. Three days later he will rise.” 35 Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do for us whatever we ask.” 36 “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked. 37 They replied, “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.” 38 “You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said. “Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?”
MARK 10:32-38
Questions:
- What does verse 35 teach you about James and John?
- In what ways, if any, can you relate to the disciples in this passage?
- Jesus defined greatness as service to all. How woul dyou describe your service to others right now?
- How can you grow in your service to others?
Practice The Way of Jesus:
In this passage, we see one of Jesus’ reasons for coming to the earth: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” This week, imitate the way and heart of Jesus. How can you do this? It takes practice!
Practicals:
- Take a moment to notice the needs of the people around you.
- Consider all the resources that God has given you and ask yourself: “How can I help?”
- Whether that’s your time, money, talents, or possessions, use one thing that God has given you to serve someone this week.