For NIV reading, click here
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%2010:31-52&version=NIV
This is the final section before the last week of Jesus' life. The last week in Mark takes up about 1/3 of the whole gospel reminding us of the importance of these events.
Today's readings include the 3rd foretelling of Jesus' mission which involves His death and resurrection...it comes through in a stark way in Mark 10:45.
It also includes James and John's desire to be 'great' and to have seats of power and status. How do we still reflect this desire in our personal lives, in our faith, in our church ministries, etc.
Finally, the whole section from 8:22-10:52 wraps up with another healing of a blind man, once again suggesting that though the healing is real, it also points to spiritual vision/blindness. In what ways do we still have trouble 'seeing' and need the touch of Jesus?
Thoughts, applications...
Have an awesome day!
What do you want me to do for you?" Jesus asked him.
ReplyDeleteThe blind man said, "Rabbi, I want to see."
My thought: It's our yearning that brings us to Him.
The blind man doesn't say, "I believe, heal me". He says, 'I WANT to see'
When we open ourselves up to the desire to seek Christ, we can suddenly see so many possibilities in our lives.
The story of James and John is one that I frequently reflect on in my work. As the ED of a non-profit that advocates for life, I find myself often being ridiculed and put down. Recently, my family and I have even felt threatend. There are times, when it would feel really nice to have some respect and power. But, those are the times I must remind myself to feel the joy in serving our Lord. I have been blessed with this awesome opportunity to be the hands and feet. There is tremendous joy in that.
ReplyDeleteWhat I find ironic is:
Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.
Of the people I know who are truly humble servants of the Lord, I do not know one that wants to be first or is seeking a reward. It seems to defeat the whole purpose of serving if you are expecting payment for your deeds.
As many other have experienced, true servants are usually not recognized or respected until after their work is done, or until after they are gone...certainly this was Jesus' experience. But, if we are in it for the recognition or acclaim, we're not really in the right game. I think that's why Jesus kept preaching and teaching about God's Kingdom/rule...which will one day be shown to be the real thing...every knee will bow!
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ReplyDelete(deleted the other post due to confusing typos)
ReplyDeleteOK, right from the top I wonder why the disciples were astonished, while those who followed were afraid. In the previous verses Jesus made some pretty radical statements about persecution, and eternal life. Or the disciples were astonished by something they saw as they followed Jesus into the city.
The John and James story reminds me that no matter how much these guys have experienced first hand, even they do not cease to simply be people, just like all of us. And how much more is asked of us to believe without having the benefit of actually seeing, like they did. That mustard seed again.
Thanks again for the very helpful comments you've each shared...of great help to me! Can't believe tomorrow starts Holy Week. We'll follow Mark's day to day unfolding of the week which takes up about a full 1/3 of the gospel. If you want to supplement with a wide variety of other biblical readings, see the page at the right. Maybe next year, if this is still going, we can incorporate all 4 gospels into Holy Week's readings. May we all see Jesus anew tomorrow. I may begin posting each day's reading the night before...this week's schedule is crazy.
ReplyDeleteWendy,like you , I know no truly humble servant that wants to be first. I'm convinced this passage was included to wake up those who have this desire to be first. And, to admonish those of us who , even though they have no desire to be first , still
ReplyDeletewarm inside when given praise , that there is a danger there to be aware of .
Dave ....yup , James and John just people just like you and me . I'm sure that's why their stories are there . So we can see ourselves in them .