November 11th, 2011
Today’s reading from Encounter with God

A New World Is Coming

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Opening Prayer

Lord, You hear both my prayers and my complaints. I love You; still, I sometimes disregard You. I long for You today.

Read MARK 10:32-45

[32] They were on their way up to Jerusalem, with Jesus leading the way, and the disciples were astonished, while those who followed were afraid. Again he took the Twelve aside and told them what was going to happen to him. [33] “We are going up to Jerusalem,” he said, “and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the Gentiles, [34] who will mock him and spit on him, flog him and kill him. Three days later he will rise.” [35] Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do for us whatever we ask.” [36] “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked. [37] They replied, “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.” [38] “You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said. “Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?” [39] “We can,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with, [40] but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared.” [41] When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John. [42] Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. [43] Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, [44] and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. [45] For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.

Meditate

“In the Gospels, we are presented with a perspective on power so radical and disturbing that few have understood or come to terms with it even today” (Alan Storkey).

Think Further

Mark works hard to set the scene for each important conversation he records. He works visually, wanting us to catch the story by picturing it. Here he lets us know that the plot is taking a turn toward Jerusalem (32). Jesus, who knows why he is going there and the fate that awaits him, leads the way. Close behind him are the disciples who are described as “astonished.” They have been confused by the new, darker tone of Jesus’ words to them as he spoke of his own suffering and death. Hardly have they had time to ponder this when he sets off, heading resolutely toward confrontation with the Jewish and Roman authorities. They talk animatedly about what Jesus means to achieve. Somewhere behind them in Mark’s picture is a larger crowd, also confused, also following where Jesus leads, and afraid of what is about to happen. There is tension in the air. A cloud of dust rises from the feet of the growing crowd. Only Jesus knows the plan.

Seeing the confusion of the disciples, Jesus explains as plainly as possible the confrontation he is heading toward (33) and how it will end (34). But even this stark description is not plain enough for the disciples. They misunderstand completely, believing that a new government is about to be declared in Israel. They even begin discussing among themselves who should serve in Jesus’ cabinet (37). “Wrong question,” Jesus admonishes them (see v. 38). “Wrong understanding of power and leadership” (see vs. 42-45). There is a revolution about to happen in Jerusalem. There is a change coming, a new kingdom, but it will not be like anything ever seen before (43). The fight is not for a new government; it is for a new world (45).

Apply

Read again vs. 43-45. Would you say you have a servant heart? Think of some simple ways in which you can serve others today.

Closing prayer

Mighty Lord, empower me to understand the workings of Your Kingdom. May I know what true power is, and what it isn’t. Help me act accordingly as a servant.

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