Willingness to Give Extra Service
August 5, 2021
Commentary
Jesus again tells about His death (vv. 32-34). As Jesus and His disciples head for Jerusalem we see Jesus out in front of the group alone. There are certain things in life that a man must face alone and the betrayal, scourging, crucifixion and resurrection was one of those times for our Lord.
The disciples did not know what was going on and were completely confused and yet they followed (vv. 35-39). They just loved the Lord so much that they were compelled to accept what they could not understand. However, in the midst of all this we find a heartbreaking display of selfish ambition by James and John as they requested to sit on either side of Him in His Kingdom. Jesus explained that this was not for Him to give, but would be given to those “for whom it was prepared” (v.40).
It is interesting to note how Matthew tells this story (Matt 20:20–23), and in his version the request is made not by James and John, but by their mother Salome. It seems that Matthew may have been trying to save the reputation of James and John, and attributed it to the natural ambition of their mother.The basic trouble in the human situation is that men wish to do as little as possible and to get as much as possible. It is only when they are filled with the desire to put into life more than they take out, that life for themselves and for others will be happy and prosperous. Although the ordinary clerk may go home at 5.30 p.m., the light will be seen burning in the office of the chief executive long into the night. It is his willingness to give the extra service that makes him head of the firm.
History teaches that important places of honor usually go to those who prepare themselves for such places rather than to those who seek them selfishly. Jesus explained to them that if they wanted to be great they must first of all be a servant (vv. 41-45). The world needs people whose ideal is service. We need to realize that true greatness is characterized by humility and service.
Application
How does Jesus’ view of leadership compare with the world’s view? Do I ever find myself desiring special treatment by others? What is one way I could be a servant this week? Need relationship verses recognition.
Mark 10:32– 45 (NET)
32 They were on the way, going up to Jerusalem. Jesus was going ahead of them, and they were amazed, but those who followed were afraid. He took the twelve aside again and began to tell them what was going to happen to him. 33 “Look, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and experts in the law. They will condemn him to death and will turn him over to the Gentiles. 34 They will mock him, spit on him, flog him severely, and kill him. Yet after three days, he will rise again.”
35 Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him and said, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask.” 36 He said to them, “What do you want me to do for you?” 37 They said to him, “Permit one of us to sit at your right hand and the other at your left in your glory.” 38 But Jesus said to them, “You don’t know what you are asking! Are you able to drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I experience?” 39 They said to him, “We are able.” Then Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink, and you will be baptized with the baptism I experience, 40 but to sit at my right or at my left is not mine to give. It is for those for whom it has been prepared.”
41 Now when the other ten heard this, they became angry with James and John. 42 Jesus called them and said to them, “You know that those who are recognized as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in high positions use their authority over them. 43 But it is not this way among you. Instead whoever wants to be great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of all. 45 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.”
Illustration: William Booth’s Ambition Was The Souls of Men
When William Booth signed the guest book for King Edward the 7th he summed up his life’s work. “Your Majesty” he wrote “Some men’s ambition is art. Some men’s ambition is fame. Some men’s ambition is gold. My ambition is the souls of men.” (Source Unknown).