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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.” (Mark 10:35-45 NIV)
I have sat at more places of honor than I deserve; and I've also sat in places no one deserves to sit, but thanks be to God for having been there with me in both! Most of us do love being first in line for receiving good things, and last in line for others. Injections? Last, please! Dinner plates? First, please! James and Joh, brothers and sons of Zebedee, are like me. And like you. They had discussed among themselves, as brothers do, about what was certainly coming because of Jesus - a new kingdom for Israel, and so they knew that being brothers they were probably special and could ask Jesus for the real places of honor in this new kingdom. "Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory," Interesting they probably discussed that the older one would be at the right side, and the younger at the left. Jesus answers with a question: "Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?" Baptism? No sweat, sure! Jesus was not talking about a dip in water, He was talking nails and hammers, and the splinters from a wooden cross. "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."
This passage shows how James and John, in seeking positions of honor and glory in Jesus' coming kingdom, illustrates our common human desire for power and recognition, but it also reflects a misunderstanding of Jesus' mission and the nature of true greatness. Jesus responds with a profound teaching: greatness in His kingdom is not defined by authority and position but by servanthood. Whoever wants to be great, must be the slave of all, and the one who wants to be great will be servant to all.
Jesus challenges us to rethink our aspirations. In a world that often measures success by status, wealth, or authority, He calls us to a radically different standard. To be great, we must serve. To be first, we must be willing to be last. Jesus exemplified this truth in His life, showing us that true leadership is marked by humility and a willingness to lay down our lives for others.
Reflecting on this scripture, we are reminded that serving others is not just a calling; it is a way of embodying Christ’s love and compassion in the world. Our acts of service, no matter how small, can have profound effects on those around us. Can you start today? Serve others.
PRAYER: Loving God, thank You for the example of Your Son, Jesus, who came not to be served but to serve. Help us to embrace the heart of a servant in our daily lives. Open our eyes to the needs around us, and give us the courage and willingness to step out of our comfort zones to serve others. May our actions reflect Your love and grace. Teach us to seek greatness through humility and service, just as Jesus did. In His powerful name, we pray. Amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord. YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Why not identify one person or group in your life who could benefit from your service. It could be a neighbor, a coworker, or someone in your community. Commit to doing something that puts their needs before your own—whether it’s offering help, providing a listening ear, or simply sharing kindness.
I love you and I thank God for you!
Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.
