Whoever Wants To Be First – Mark 10:44

There is a deep desire to be the best at whatever we do. Second place is unacceptable. Contentment, as it seems, only comes when we are on top of the world. 

 James and John, the sons of Zebedee, approached Jesus is a self-serving request. “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.” (Mark 10:37). The implications may be lost to us in our modern culture but Jesus knew exactly what James and John were asking of Jesus. Those seated closest to the leader were the most important people in the room. James and John were asking to prominence, power, and to be exalted above the other disciples. They were asking to be first among the people. 

 An arrogant desire to be lifted above people does not sit well with Jesus. I believe that many people who ask for power and leadership have self-serving motives. Jesus explained in Mark 10:42 that godless people seek power to lord over people. Power hungry people don’t spiritually feed others. 

 Jesus told James and John, “But it is not so among you. On the contrary, whoever wants to become great among you will be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you will be a slave to all. 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.” (Mark 10:43-45)

 Do you lead an organization? Are you on a team? Do you lead your family? You are called to be a humble servant of the people around you, regardless of the context that you are in. Being the best in your field isn’t as important as sharing the Gospel of Jesus through the words that you use and the way that you serve others.

Those who lift themselves above others often pull others down to make sure they stand above the crowd. Instead, build others up so that you may all stand before Jesus as faithful servants of Jesus. 

God himself stepped down from the perfection of Heaven and entered the mess of humanity. Was Jesus concerned with prestige and recognition? No. Jesus used His influence and position to reconcile people to God. 

Live It: 

• Who can you serve today? 
• How will you serve that person? 

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