A loving invitation

Linda Pollock October 20, 2021 0 1

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Mark 10: 35-45 (NRSVA)

35 James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to him and said to him, ‘Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.’ 36 And he said to them, ‘What is it you want me to do for you?’ 37 And they said to him, ‘Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.’ 38 But Jesus said to them, ‘You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?’ 39 They replied, ‘We are able.’ Then Jesus said to them, ‘The cup that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; 40 but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.’

41 When the ten heard this, they began to be angry with James and John. 42 So Jesus called them and said to them, ‘You know that among the Gentiles those whom they recognize as their rulers lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. 43 But it is not so among you; but whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all. 45 For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.’

Jesus asked the brothers a question, the same question He asks Blind Bartimaeus in verse 51 of this chapter. The difference in their response is striking!

James and John want the place of honour and power – here are two of the three men belonging to His ‘inner circle’ and their ignorance is glaring! Bartimaeus, the blind man, could see that Jesus was not about honour or glory or power or praise.

We are invited to answer the same question every day, “What can I do for you?”

Where does your mind go to immediately?

Let’s be careful how we respond to this loving invitation and let’s be courageous and ask for the desire to serve whosoever humbly and graciously, as He did and does.

PRAYER:

Eternal God, we want to surrender ourselves to You, to release ourselves to Your care but it can be so difficult. Help us to humbly accept Your way of service and suffering and know that only when we open our hands to You, will we receive the glory You have for us. Amen.