MARK 10:35-45

SUNDAY & MONDAY, JULY 22 & 23, 2007

YOU WERE BORN TO SERVE!
 

35 Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Him, saying, “Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask.”
36 And He said to them, “What do you want Me to do for you?”
37 They said to Him, “Grant us that we may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on Your left, in Your glory.”
38 But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?”
39 They said to Him, “We are able.”
So Jesus said to them, “You will indeed drink the cup that I drink, and with the baptism I am baptized with you will be baptized; 40 but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared.”
41 And when the ten heard it, they began to be greatly displeased with James and John. 42 But Jesus called them to Himself and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 43 Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. 44 And whoever of you desires to be first shall 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 a ransom for many.” St. Mark 10:35-45 (NKJV)

This past week there was a story on the CBS Evening News concerning a very, very young boy who is already an outstanding golfer. As I watched the story, it appeared to me that the boy was excited about playing golf. In the interview with the parents, they were questioned about where this talent came from. Their response was that neither of them are avid golfers. The only conclusion they could come to is that the boy was born to play golf.

We hear similar accounts concerning child prodigies in music and the arts and potential geniuses in all of the academic fields. In almost every situation, we hear that the child was born with natural abilities.

Except for those who become jealous of the abilities of others, people rally around these youth with encouragement, advice, and often financial support. It is good that we are behind these youth who have the potential of making a difference in the world of tomorrow.

CAUTION -- As honorable as it is to support these youth, WE MUST support all youth and all people who strive to make the best use of whatever gifts and talents that God has given to them.

In many cases, when we consider the gifts and talents people have, we can relate them to the similar gifts and talents that one or both of their parents also have. Often times we hear people say that you take after your father or mother or even a grandparent. That seems to inspire us and we try to do better.

This is the basis of a hard lesson that James and John had to learn. They wanted the seats of honor on either side of Jesus. The other disciples became a bit upset. It was the perfect opportunity for Jesus to teach them a lesson about their relationship with the Heavenly Father and about the gifts and talents He has given to them. He tells them that the position of honor is not His to give and reminds them that he who wants to be first shall be last. Then in verse 45 we read-”45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Passage after passage of Scripture makes reference to the fact that Jesus came to serve all of God’s creation and that includes you and me.

The basic gift and talent that Jesus was given as a Babe in Bethlehem was the ability to serve others. He was sent to earth as a baby to serve. He was born to serve.

The Scriptures tell us that we were made in the image of God and that we are to live our lives with Jesus as our Good Shepherd and role model. That means that we were born with the talent and gift of the ability to serve others. Yes, WE WERE BORN TO SERVE. When we know that someone has a talent and they do not use it, we say, “What a waste.” God knows that you have the talent to serve others. Will He say about you, “What a waste?” YOU WERE BORN TO SERVE!

WE PRAY:   Father in Heaven, it is so easy to sit back and be waited on and let the people of the world take care of themselves. Help us to get up and out of our comfortable routines and flip the switch that turns off the joyful temptations of the world. Help us to find the REAL JOY that comes from being your TRUE servant among your people. AMEN

A SUGGESTION FOR LIVING THE DEVOTION
 

Take the time to read either the Gospel of St. Matthew, St. Mark, St. Luke, or St. John. As you read, make a list of every time there is a reference of Jesus being a Servant. This can be helpful in understanding what it means to use the talents of servanthood that God has given to you.