A Word from Mark 10

In today’s word from Mark 10, Jesus was approaching Jerusalem. And just in case his disciples didn’t understand what would happen when they got there, Jesus went on to make it abundantly clear: “The Son of Man,” he said, “will be delivered over to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They’ll condemn him to death and will hand him over to the Gentiles, who will mock him and spit on him, flog him and kill him. But three days later he’ll rise.” (10:33-34)

Of course, you’d think that with a warning like that, the disciples would be concerned about these coming events. But no. The very next thing we’re told is that James and John came to Jesus and said, “Lord, let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left when you come into your glory.” (10:37) Jesus was about to die, and they were angling for a promotion.

So Jesus gathered his disciples and explained what his life—and their lives—were meant to be about: “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them,” he said, “and their high officials exercise authority over them. But 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.” (10:42-45)

Of course, as we approach Holy Week, we’re still following Jesus into Jerusalem. And I wonder if we’ll understand any better than those first disciples did. In a world that still seeks promotions, positions, and power; are we going to seek to “lord it over others”? Or are we going to look for ways to serve others? Understanding, of course, that it is in serving that we truly follow Jesus.

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” (11:9) they shouted on Palm Sunday. May people continue to bless the Lord, because of the humble and loving service of His people. Amen.