Mark 10:41-45 New American Standard Bible 1995
41 Hearing this, the ten began to feel indignant with [a]James and John. 42 Calling them to Himself, Jesus *said to them, “You know that those who are recognized as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them; and their great men exercise authority over them. 43 But it is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant; 44 and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His [b]life a ransom for many.”
The Word of God for the Children of God.
Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.
While walking with the Lord of glory on His sacrificial journey towards the Cross and the glorious Resurrection, and having been forewarned by Jesus of the future suffering and tribulation both He and all His followers were to face, we discover the disciples overly preoccupied, squabbling about who was be the most important person in Christ’s coming kingdom!
They were automatically expecting the Lord to set up His kingdom on earth at that time, and the deep bewilderment they must have felt when He announced that He was to suffer and die, only adds to the depths of this pitiful scenario.
And so, another important lesson to all of us began to be taught, that the world may seek after pride of place, power, and prestige, but in Christ’s economy: it’s all about “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.”
We sometimes look at the foolish actions and attitudes of the disciples and the many selfish comments they made, and, with an air of automatic superiority, we will quickly think to ourselves: “I would never say such unspiritual remarks or engage in such carnal actions and attitudes.”
But every lesson that the disciples were taught in their brief but untense three-year sojourn with the Lord, is an equally important lesson that we too must be about the daily business of learning and applying in our journey through life.
Mark 10:41-45 Amplified Bible
41 Hearing this, the [other] ten became indignant with James and John. 42 Calling them to Himself, Jesus said to them, “You know that those who are recognized as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them; and their powerful men exercise authority over them [tyrannizing them]. 43 But this is not how it is among you; instead, whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wishes to be first and most important among you 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 [a] ransom for many.”
Let us take to heart the truth we’re in the world but we’re not to be of the world.
The world may relish the achievement, important positions and seek to exercise authority over others: “But it should not be this way among you, for whoever wishes to become great among you is to be servant of all.”
Leadership is not about exerting power and control but about serving others with humility and love. Jesus, our ultimate example of leadership, taught us that true greatness lies in our sacrificial servanthood and selfless influence.
In a world that often values ambition and self-promotion, leadership that is rooted in humility and compassion stands out.
A servant leader seeks the well-being and the spiritual development of the people they lead, empowering them to reach their full potential. A servant leader is available, listens, supports, and guides with empathy and grace.
True leadership is not defined by titles or positions but by the impact we have on others. Every interaction, decision, and action provides an opportunity to lead with honesty, integrity, authenticity, and a genuine concern for others.
As leaders, we are called to follow Jesus’ example.
We are called to lead with love, inspiring and empowering the people around us to grow and flourish. Our influence should reflect the character of Jesus Christ, nurturing an environment of truth, trust, collaboration, and mutual respect.
May we embrace the call to leadership with humility and grace.
May we put the needs of others ahead of our own, seeking to serve rather than be served.
As we lead with His compassion and His integrity and His truth, let’s not dare hesitate to point others to the truth of our ultimate servant leader, Jesus Christ.
In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,
Let us Pray,
Psalm 143 New American Standard Bible 1995
Prayer for Deliverance and Guidance.
A Psalm of David.
143 Hear my prayer, O Lord,
Give ear to my supplications!
Answer me in Your faithfulness, in Your righteousness!
2 And do not enter into judgment with Your servant,
For in Your sight no man living is righteous.
3 For the enemy has persecuted my soul;
He has crushed my life to the ground;
He has made me dwell in dark places, like those who have long been dead.
4 Therefore my spirit [a]is overwhelmed within me;
My heart is [b]appalled within me.
5 I remember the days of old;
I meditate on all Your doings;
I muse on the work of Your hands.
6 I stretch out my hands to You;
My soul longs for You, as a [c]parched land. [d]Selah.
7 Answer me quickly, O Lord, my spirit fails;
Do not hide Your face from me,
Or I will become like those who go down to the pit.
8 Let me hear Your lovingkindness in the morning;
For I trust in You;
Teach me the way in which I should walk;
For to You I lift up my soul.
9 Deliver me, O Lord, from my enemies;
[e]I take refuge in You.
10 Teach me to do Your will,
For You are my God;
Let Your good Spirit lead me on level [f]ground.
11 For the sake of Your name, O Lord, revive me.
In Your righteousness bring my soul out of trouble.
12 And in Your lovingkindness, [g]cut off my enemies
And destroy all those who afflict my soul,
For I am Your servant.
Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.
Loving God, Living God, Loving Hope, Living Hope, Loving Living Life His Way! "Many things are possible for the person who has hope. Even more is possible for the person who has faith. And still more is possible for the person who knows how to love. But everything is possible for the person who practices all three virtues." - Brother Lawrence (1605-1691), Practicing the Presence of God (1692). 