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.”
SOAP – Mark 10:35-38
John and James requested earthly positions of honor, power, and authority from Jesus. Jesus explains that great suffering would come as a result of their close relationship with Him. Jesus tells them that their highest ambition should be to serve God’s people and bless them.
What position of ministry, authority, or promotion are you coveting? Where do you need to let go of comparing and competing? True greatness in God’s sight is one who humbly serves others, because this quality is like His Son, Jesus.
Father God, give me a servant’s heart like Your Son, Jesus. Lord, teach me to be content in the position in which I am currently. Help me to release comparisons and competitiveness with other sisters in Christ. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
