based on the LGG Study, “Set Apart” / w4d1
Scripture: Mark 10:42-45 / SOAP Mark 10:45
For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Mark 10:45
Know the Story
It isn’t a physical position or the material possessions that we hold in this life that matters. What really matters is our heart’s position toward serving others.
James and John had asked Jesus for a favor – which was that He allow them to be the ones who would sit on His right and left when He was seated on His throne (35-37). When the others heard about the request, they were naturally angry – and Jesus responded to them – with an example. Actually, He gives them two examples. The first illustration was of the behavior and customs of the rulers of “this world.” The second was of His own servant’s heart. Sandwiched in between the two examples were the instructions, choices, and consequences of how they, as His disciples, were to live. He told them very clearly that they were not to live like the rulers of the Gentiles or those in high positions who used their authority over them. Instead, like Him, they were to operate from the position of a servant’s heart. Plainly put, they were to serve others.
The Love God Greatly journal entry today included this quote that is filled with wisdom and inspiration for living set apart through a “servant’s heart”.
“According to the world, what’s most important in life is your happiness, not your holiness. – Yet, Jesus calls us to a different way of life. He calls us to serve and love others, even when it’s uncomfortable or inconvenient. Why? Because when we follow Christ’s example of serving others and putting their needs above our own, we display His love and grace to the world. When we choose to live like Jesus, we bear witness to the transformative power of the gospel. We become a light in the darkness, reflecting the heart of Jesus to those around us. – The truth is, serving others can look different for each person. The key to serving others is asking God for guidance and being willing to step out in faith when He shows us opportunities to serve and live set apart.”
Wisdom From the Journey
The time we live in may be different from the first disciples of Jesus, but the teachings we live by are the same. We are called to serve others. It will not always be easy or desirable but it will never be as difficult or undesirable as the way of the cross Christ took for us. 🦋
You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
Philippians 2:6-8
6 Though he was God,
he did not think of equality with God
as something to cling to.
7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges;
he took the humble position of a slave
and was born as a human being.
When he appeared in human form,
8 he humbled himself in obedience to God
and died a criminal’s death on a cross.
The More We Know
Bibleref.com points out that “It’s easy to mock James and John for their request, especially as it comes on the heels of Jesus’ third prophecy of His death. It’s important to remember three things, however. First, we don’t know how long after Jesus’ prophecy James and John make their request. Second, other Scripture makes it clear that these men don’t fully understand Jesus will die (Luke 18:34). Third, their mother apparently either pushes them to ask or makes the request on their behalf.”
For more insight read today’s LGG Blog
Me From the Inside Out 