For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.”
Mark 10:45 (NRSV)
A Moment to Ponder
Jesus was teaching his disciples, especially James and John, about serving others. Scripture records that the brothers, sons of Zebedee, had asked their “Teacher” for a favour that would put them in positions of leadership, honour and respect when Jesus set up his own government. (Mk 10:37). The disciples were looking out for themselves. Unfortunately, they had not yet understood Jesus’ lessons and that his kingdom was not of this world and was not to be understood by earthly standards. The disciples had not yet learnt that true greatness comes from service to others. Jesus taught “…whoever wants to be a leader must first be a servant and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else.” (Mk 10:43). Jesus himself came to serve his people and to do for them what they could not do for themselves; He paid a ransom for us because we could not pay it ourselves. The price He paid was not with money but with His body and blood. His death released us from the bondage of sin and gives us access to salvation. This is the lesson that we are called to reflect daily in our lives.
An Action in every Moment
The Life Application lessons here for Christian Leaders, (also amplified in 1 Peter 5:1-4) is that:
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We must recognise that we are caring for God’s people not our own.
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We are to lead out of an eagerness to serve, not out of an obligation.
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We are to be concerned by what we can give, not for what we can get.
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We must lead by example, not by force.
Generally, all of us lead others in some way, shape or form. Whatever our role, our actions and our attitude should be consistent with these characteristics.
A Moment of Prayer
Guide us Lord, in all our doings with your gracious favour, and further us with your continual help; that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in you, we may glorify your holy Name, and by your mercy attain everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Contributed by: Rev Mark Jones
Newly Ordained Deacon
