Called to Be of Service
In a well-known passage from the gospel of Mark, disciples James and John ask Jesus: ‘Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.’
In responding Jesus tells them: “whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all.”
What are we to make of this passage? Jesus often taught the principle of servant leadership to his disciples. These principles of humility and service are still needed in our world today. This passage invites us to consider what it means to become servant leaders.
Spiritual Practices for Today
When have you been the recipient of an act of service in your life? What were the circumstances? How did it feel to allow yourself to be helped by another? When have you offered an act of service in your life? How did it feel to be of service to others? How does being a servant to all enter into your desire to align your heart and will spiritually with God? Prayer of Service Pray: God of Love, help us to be servants to your will. In loving you, we find ourselves drawn to acts of service for others. May we find humility in serving others, knowing that when we are in the service of the least and the lost we are in service to our God. Grant us the compassion to see the needs of others and the grace to offer your love in humble acts of kindness, not to be seen or known but to be received in gratitude to you, who are indeed the giver of all gifts and the source of all life. Forgive us when we fall short of our divine call to serve and guide us into new paths of service as we seek you each day in our lives. Amen.Mark 10:35-45
James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to him and said to him, ‘Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.’ And he said to them, ‘What is it you want me to do for you?’ And they said to him, ‘Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.’ But Jesus said to them, ‘You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?’ They replied, ‘We are able.’ Then Jesus said to them, ‘The cup that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.’
When the ten heard this, they began to be angry with James and John. So Jesus called them and said to them, ‘You know that among the Gentiles those whom they recognize as their rulers lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. But it is not so among you; but whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.’
What word or phrase do you find yourself wanting to contemplate and explore in this passage? How is this passage speaking to you today? Daily Bread and Daily Prayer for Peace Download or open the Community of Christ app on your smartphone or visit www.cofchrist.org to read today’s Daily Bread and Prayer for Peace. After reading the Daily Bread, consider these questions: What is the main point made by the author? How can this reflection help guide you in spiritual formation today? Pray the Mission Prayer: God, where will your Spirit lead today? Help me be fully awake and ready to respond. Grant me the courage to risk something new and become a blessing of your love and peace. Amen. 2021 Guiding Question: Are we moving towards Jesus, the peaceful One?