March 2

Servant of All

Today’s Scripture Readings:

Psalm 34:1-10 | Leviticus 25:47- 27:13 | Mark 10:32-52| Proverbs 10:22

Today’s Scripture Focus:  Mark 10:32-52

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” (Mark 10:43-45 NIV).  

The way to greatness is found in becoming a servant. The one who would be first must first become a slave of all. These are the principles of Christ’s kingdom.  

James and John, the Sons of Thunder, lived up to their nickname again. They blurted it out: “let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.” They were asking for positions of authority in Jesus kingdom. This of course caused controversy with the rest of the disciples when they found out (probably because they each wished for the same position).

Jesus pointed James and John to the cost of following Him, and particularly the cost of greatness in His kingdom. To be first, to be great, required humbling oneself to the place of a servant.

He also pointed to his own example as he told them, that he had come not to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many. 

Jesus is the ultimate example of servanthood. He humbled himself by becoming a man, by his daily acts of service, and most graphically, by dying on a cross. When Jesus took the form of a servant and washed the disciples feet, he was giving an example of the kind of humble service we are all called to as his disciples.

Some seek for glory. Some seek for the first place. Christ is looking for those who will take the last place—for the one who will be a servant to all. Servanthood is the only road to greatness in Christ’s kingdom.

Lord Jesus, thank you for your example of humility. Help me to follow you in the path of humility. May I live as your servant looking for opportunities to meet the needs of others and bring you glory. Amen.