May 7, 2012 Get In Line

Get in Line Mark 10:41-45 When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John. 42 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 43 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first must be 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.” TEN disciples are angry with James and John for requesting their glory seats next to Jesus (see Mark 10:36-40). (Matthew 20:20 records their mother made the request—nice work, “mom”.) The disciples are divided. “Division” is not a good word for people who live under the discipline of the Lord. (Note “disciple” in the root of discipline.) Now Jesus brings disciplines his disciples with the truth of his servant life. You see, the disciples are worried about who will sit next to Jesus on an earthly throne. Jesus pointedly tells them that leadership in the Kingdom of God begins with servant hood to the point of death. Even more dramatically, he uses himself as the model of this life-sacrificing servant discipleship. Think of this! The beloved Rabbi says, “I came to seek the lost. I came to save the lost. I came to die for you. Why are you fighting? Stop fighting among yourselves and start serving those who need my salvation!” That’s a good lesson for the church, and a good lesson for you. Pause and consider: are you in line to be served or in line to serve?