But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all.

Mark 10:32-45

But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. Mark 10:43-44

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Mark 10:32-45.  Excerpts from the commentary's third (of four) division (vv41-44):

• The title of the third division per the commentary is "Consider the Conflict in Being a Servant." 
• The other disciples are angry at James and John, likely because at least some of them also want glory for themselves and certainly do not want James and John to experience more glory than themselves - jealousy is aroused.   
• Yet Jesus shares that more power in His Kingdom results in more service to others - more power from God brings great responsibility to a good steward of this power in service of His will, not one's own.  The commentary points us to Romans 12:2 where we must seek not conformation to the world but renewal of the mind to understand His will. 
• "You want to be great, do something great for God? You want to please and honor the Lord Jesus with your life? Then become a diakonos (servant; v43), a doulos (slave) of all (v44). Become a table waiter, a household servant. Become a slave. Such a person will have the mind of Christ, esteeming others better than himself, not giving attention to their own interests, but to those of others (Philippians 2:3-5)."

It's not about us - we exist to bring all praise, honor and glory to God.  It is through us that others may see God and be drawn to Him. 

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and who saves - as You laid down Your life for me so that I could live now with fullness, and forever in Heaven with You.  The greatest gift of all time - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.