Spiritual Greatness

Mark 10: 35-45

Once again our friends, the disciples are giving us a snapshot of spiritual density. They are so like us! This amazing scene has occurred before. Jesus has just predicted for the third time he is going to die a terrible death. He has told his inner circle of believers he will be arrested, betrayed, abandoned, tortured, spit upon and handed over. He also told them there will be resurrection! And what is their response? We see a dramatic picture of spiritual failure!

James and John make a deliberate, calculated strategic move for highest prominence in Christ’s kingdom! Jesus engages them in spiritual conversation. "What do you want me to do for you?" They say, we want lots of power, perks and the highest places of honor! Matthew 20 tells us they asked while on their knees with their mother before Christ. Perhaps we have shared similar intense requests in our prayer lives. Who has not asked for promotion and honor in prayer? Holy zeal and faith, mixed with selfish ambition is very human in all of us!

The dialogue continues. Jesus asks them ever so tenderly, ‘do you have any clue about what you’re asking me? Can you drink the cup I am about to drink? Can you drink the cup of suffering, humiliation and sacrifice for others?’ Jimmy and Johnny are so naive in their response! Oh, yes, we can! Jesus continues to explain tenderly. ‘Yes. You will indeed drink my cup and be baptized with suffering. But any promotion comes from your heavenly Parent.’ Any promotion in the kingdom of God comes through suffering service in costly discipleship.

Their fellow colleagues in ministry are furious! How dare those two scheme when all have been so loyal, so sacrificial, so faithful to Christ! James and John are not the only ones stuck in the spiritual glue of self-centerness! Jesus has to stop their bickering for power, gather them together and say, listen to me! I’ll tell you what spiritual greatness is! True greatness in the kingdom of God is through suffering. True greatness is in sacrifice. True greatness is not found in ambition and jealousy. If you want to be great, be a humble servant. Spiritual formation begins in service and sacrifice to others.

One of the most precious sayings of Christ closes our passage. Christ came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many. Jesus is a missionary savior. The cross was necessary. Jesus paid the price for all the sins of the world. If we would follow Jesus, the cross is our invitation into spiritual transformation through spiritual new birth! The cross leads to life, joy, fulfillment, peace and purpose in life. The cross leads to unselfishness. Jesus calls each of us into spiritual greatness through the cross.

by "Surprised by Joy"

A bit about the author:

"Surprised by Joy" is an ordained UFMCC Christian minister who discovered that God is wonder-full to be with. It is our hope and prayer at soulfoodministry.org that all visitors will experience the tender loving- kindness of God and receive spiritual food for their journey.