MARK 10:35-37, 41-45
Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do for us whatever we ask.” “What do you want me to do for you?” He asked. They replied, “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.” … When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John. 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. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of 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.”
Dear Lord,
How could two disciples be so immodest as to ask You to sit on either side of You as rulers in heaven?! How can they be so bold as to believe You would give them whatever they ask? Yet sometimes my prayers must sound like theirs, “Lord, I need you to do this, this and that, and could You make sure it is done by the time I wake up in the morning?” Forgive me for being so presumptuous; my assignment on earth is to follow your teachings. I need a servant’s heart to do Your work. If I am in authority over others, may I humbly fulfill the responsibility entrusted to me. When I am tempted to be prideful in my own greatness, remind me that it is You who gave me abilities to share their fruits with others. Thank you for the blessings You have bestowed on this humble servant.
