We are to Serve Others

Thursday, May 14th, 2026

4:37 am

Good morning! Today I am in Matthew 20:20-28 and Mark 10:35-45. The mother of John and James came up to Jesus, and knelt at His feet, to ask Him a favor. Mark tells us it was John and James, not their mother. Jesus asked them what their request was. They asked Him to be able to sit in places of honor next to Him in the Kingdom. Jesus told them that they did not know what they were asking for. And asked them if they were able to drink the cup of bitter suffering that He was about to go through? Or if they were able to be baptized with the baptism of suffering that He had to be baptized with? Both of them said that they were able to. The other disciples heard what they had asked Jesus, and they were mad. Jesus turned to them and told them that the rulers of this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over the people they are over, but they were to be different. He tells them that whoever wants to be a leader among them must be their servant. And whoever wants to be first among them must be the slave to everyone else. Just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and give His life as a ransom for many.

Right after Jesus told them about the coming suffering He was about to endure, James and John were trying to secure their positions in God's Kingdom. They did not understand what He was about to go through. Many times we think that we are ready and willing to endure the suffering like James and John said they were able to, but we don't understand what we are saying. And when the pressure gets too hard, we fall or give up. That's why Jesus warned them earlier to make sure they count the cost of following Him. There are going to be very hard decisions to make, and yes there may be suffering. Just because we do decide to follow Jesus, does not mean everything is going to be easy or go our way. But God promises us that if we do choose Him, He will be with us every step of the way. James and John would both suffer later on.

The disciples still did not understand why Jesus came to earth. He came to serve others and save them by giving His life. God's concept of leadership is contrary to what the world says and does, just like Jesus explained to the disciples. But just like Jesus told them before, we are not to be like the world. Instead of seeking power and prestige, we are to serve others. Serve the people that need help the most. We are not to think of ourselves better than anyone. But we are to be servants. Serving God and His people, however He calls us to. Even though Jesus is the Messiah and Lord over all, He still came and gave His life for us. Helping us. We are to follow His example as we live out our time in this life. If we see something that needs to be done, do it. Don't wait to be told or asked, do it because God has given you the ability to. Seek to please God, not our own selfish desires. When we do that, He will bless us, maybe not in this life, but in the one to come. Seek Him and His will, and He will guide you on the right path, and give you the strength to endure any trial you may face.