For the last devotion of this week, we will continue with repentance before our Lord. Let us quiet our heart before we read the Scripture when 2 of Jesus’s dearest disciples – James and John, goes ask Jesus for something …
Scripture Reading: Mark 10:35-45
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?”
39 “We can,” they answered.
Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with, 40 but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared.”
41 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.”
Devotion Questions:
- What is “glory” to you? Is it building a successful career? Winning in a sports tournament? Driving a luxury car or carrying a brand-name handbag? Being able to accumulate enough wealth to retire at a young age? Or seeing your children do well in school? The disciples also misunderstood Jesus’ glory when they asked to be by Jesus’s side when he receives his glory. Little did they know “Glory” takes on a different meaning for Jesus – to answer God’s calling, as difficult as it may be.
- Jesus then tells John and James “You will drink the cup I drink”. Are we ready to drink Jesus’s cup? Are we prepared to make sacrifices and suffer for the soul of our loved ones?
- Jesus teaches us to be a great man, we must lay down our lives and serve others. Glory is not to be served by many, but to serve many more. How often have we humble ourselves to serve others? At work? Among our family and friends? And at PGC?
- Pray to Jesus – “Lord, you have set a great example for us, showing us how to humble yourself, how to serve others, and how to sacrifice yourself for the good of many others. Despite your great example Lord you know I have been weak, I have been self-centered, and I have been too proud. Lord Jesus, shed your light on me so I can see my flaws. Give strength to me so I can glorify you and follow you to be humble and selfless. In your holy name I pray. Amen.”