A Favour Please
A Favour Please
Then James and John, sons of Zebedee, came to Jesus. They
said, "Teacher, we want to ask you to do something for us."
Jesus asked, "What do you want me to do for you?" The sons
answered, "You will have glory {in your kingdom}. Let one of
us sit at your right, and let one of us sit at your left."
-- Mark 10:35-37 (ERV)
THOUGHT:
Sometimes the Scriptures are just too honest. I'm being a little
sarcastic ... but just a little. The people we see, even those that are
potentially our heroes, are so much like us. Their feet of clay help
make the grace of Jesus real and accessible. Jesus' closest followers
reveal that they don't really understand what he has just said to them
and what his life, ministry, and purpose are supposed to be. They've
told Jesus a few verses earlier what they gave up to follow him. They
seem to ignore what he has just told them in the previous verse that he
will pay a horrible price for them. They can only think of glory. So
while they courageously overcome their fear and dread to follow him to
Jerusalem, they also have a great desire to get the big pay off from
their association with him. Of course, the real question is whether or
not they follow him just because he is Lord and worthy of their
allegiance. But then, their lack of understanding and their greed
become the opportunity for us to ask ourselves the same question. Will
we follow Jesus even if the costs are high and the appearances suggest
that there is no earthly pay off? Hmm? Ouch! God help me.
O glorious Father, please forgive my selfishness. I confess that I want
to be treated favorably and be blessed for following you. Please give
me the courage to follow no matter the cost in this life as I reach in
faith for what is life indeed! In Jesus' name. Amen.
A Favour Please
Then James and John, sons of Zebedee, came to Jesus. They
said, "Teacher, we want to ask you to do something for us."
Jesus asked, "What do you want me to do for you?" The sons
answered, "You will have glory {in your kingdom}. Let one of
us sit at your right, and let one of us sit at your left."
-- Mark 10:35-37 (ERV)
THOUGHT:
Sometimes the Scriptures are just too honest. I'm being a little
sarcastic ... but just a little. The people we see, even those that are
potentially our heroes, are so much like us. Their feet of clay help
make the grace of Jesus real and accessible. Jesus' closest followers
reveal that they don't really understand what he has just said to them
and what his life, ministry, and purpose are supposed to be. They've
told Jesus a few verses earlier what they gave up to follow him. They
seem to ignore what he has just told them in the previous verse that he
will pay a horrible price for them. They can only think of glory. So
while they courageously overcome their fear and dread to follow him to
Jerusalem, they also have a great desire to get the big pay off from
their association with him. Of course, the real question is whether or
not they follow him just because he is Lord and worthy of their
allegiance. But then, their lack of understanding and their greed
become the opportunity for us to ask ourselves the same question. Will
we follow Jesus even if the costs are high and the appearances suggest
that there is no earthly pay off? Hmm? Ouch! God help me.
O glorious Father, please forgive my selfishness. I confess that I want
to be treated favorably and be blessed for following you. Please give
me the courage to follow no matter the cost in this life as I reach in
faith for what is life indeed! In Jesus' name. Amen.