Daily Devotional for Saturday, October 21

Jesus and Two Brothers

“But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: and whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all,”
Mark 10:43, 44.

“Who wants to win this?” said the orator during opening season of baseball. He was pointing to a sign that read, “Lifelong season tickets to a VIP booth for one winner plus up to four family members.” Excited yells came from the crowd. “Okay,” he said, “All you have to do is fill out this form with your contact information and put it in this box along with a three-thousand-dollar check for a chance to win.” At that the crowd’s feedback dwindled. Even though three thousand dollars was a steal for lifelong season tickets, they wanted them for free.

John and James, apostles of Jesus, wanted the best place in Heaven. They thought just being an apostle would get them the VIP seats. Jesus questioned them. Would they be able to stand through hard stuff to have these seats? Their immediate reply was, “Yes!” The brothers really did not understand what Jesus was asking, nevertheless, they were willing and ready. But it would cost them something.

Jesus contrasted the world’s dominion to what it would take to be great in Heaven. In the world, the leaders exercise their authority over people simply because of position. Jesus compared this to their authority as apostles. It was not their position that made them great but rather how they would minister to others through their position and to be the top dog they would have to be servants of all. Salvation has given you a position in Heaven, but your exact location is based on how you serve others (1 Corinthians 3:12-15).

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT: It does cost something to serve the Lord. It is not monetary, but what it takes is time. How you spend your time shows whether you have a heart of humility, for this is what it takes to be a true servant.

Karry Irizarry