Today's Reading: Mark 9-12

For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life for the ransom of many. Mark 10: 45 NRSV

Jesus tells his disciples three separate times what is going to happen to him. Each time, the disciples refuse to really hear him. Right after the first time, Peter takes him aside and begins to rebuke him. The next time, all the disciples immediately begin arguing about which one of them is the best disciple. This third time, James and John get a jump on everyone and try to wheedle their way into the best seats in the kingdom. 

Look, says Jesus, I came not to be served but to serve and give up my life for many of you. That is the way of the cross, giving up of self for others. It has nothing to do with being the greatest or the first.

It is going to take the disciples living through the events of the cross and the resurrection to get this point.

I think the rest of us have a hard time understanding this "serve not be served" advice as well.

God, we are still trying to be successful and super-productive in school, our jobs and our lives. Yet, Jesus is trying to tell us that it is more about giving up for others than promoting ourselves. Help us to listen and really hear what Jesus is telling us. In His name we pray. Amen.

Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims