Jesus Tries to Explain Himself Again

Text: Mark 10:32-45

Reflection and Question: For the third time on the way to trial and death, Jesus tries to explain to the disciples what awaits in Jerusalem. In their response, James and John skip the suffering part, moving straight to the resurrection into heaven, asking to sit at Jesus’ side in glory. While He acknowledges that they will face suffering like His, Jesus repeats a lesson so often ignored throughout the history of the Church: “whoever wishes to become great among you must become your servant.” Can Jesus’ teaching and example be any further from our American admiration of wealth and power?

Prayer: Jesus, our Teacher and Savior, open our hearts to Your Truth, that You came not to be served but to serve. You gave Your life as a ransom for many. Show us how You desire us to do this in our time and give us the courage to do it. Amen.

This meditation is based on the Daily Lectionary Year 1 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).