Again, Jesus gives insight into His future death, burial, and resurrection (20:17-19). After this, the mother of James and John came to Jesus to ask if her sons could sit on His right and left hand in the kingdom (20:20-21). Jesus responds by telling her that she doesn’t know what she is asking for and that suffering is necessary for positions of prominence. Jesus wanted her to understand that the path He was on was one marked with suffering and pain (20:22). James and John declare that they are ready to suffer for His sake; however, Jesus tells them that positions in the kingdom are not for Him to give but only the Father’s (20:23). When the other disciples caught wind of James and John’s request (also their mother’s), they were upset (20:24). Jesus calls all of His disciples to Himself and begins to teach them about true greatness. The Gentile leaders of that day used their power and influence to be great, but Jesus’ pictured a different kind of greatness. “Whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant and whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave.” Jesus shatters their idea about being great! Then, He challenges them to follow His example – He did not come to earth in order for people to serve Him, but to serve others and ultimately give His life to pay for the sins of mankind (20:26-28). What was Jesus trying to teach? it is very simple to understand, but hard to practice – greatness is found in serving others. As Jesus gave up His life to serve and save mankind, we also should spend our life investing in the lives of others.
Dear God, allow greatness in my life to come through my service to others. Help me to give my time, abilities, and money to serve others.
