Who will be great among you???

In our devotional journals we are working on during our PowerUP campaign, today was covering Mark 10:35-45. My mind has been on what was spoken in this text. I will be looking at the latter part of this passage, beginning in verse 42..."But Jesus called them to him , and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. (43) But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: (44) And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. (45) For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many."

Leading up to this passage, the apostles were angry about James and John asking to set at the right and left hand of Jesus. I'm not sure whether from them not thinking of asking first, or what. However, Jesus changes the subject quickly and moves beyond it.

Jesus begins talking about the way rulers are set up above others in our human way of doing things. The rulers exercise lordship over the "regulars". The "great ones" exercise authority over them, as well.

But for Christians, it doesn't work that way. Those who are chosen to be great are ministers...and he who will be the chiefest, will be a servant to all. These words are especially meaningful to me. The pastor I serve under leads the congregation by example. He truly has a servant's heart. If there is something to be done, you can guarantee he is there with sleeves rolled up. Do we serve in such a way, or are we waiting to be served? Remember, those who are servants to all will be the most highly exalted...

The final verse puts it all together clearly..."For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many." Jesus didn't come to be lavished upon with praise, adoration, fanfare and the like...he came to minister to and give His life as a ransom for many.

Be a servant, and you shall be exalted...will you strive for that kind of greatness???

Let me know if there is a special prayer I can word on your behalf today...