About This Devotional Series
I am really blessed to teach at Grand Canyon University. One of those blessings is our commitment to provide helpful ideas and resources to our faculty and staff as they integrate faith in the classroom, in student interactions, in conversations with peers and beyond.
This Spring our One Foundation program produced a series of videos that offers 15 devotionals over 15 weeks through the book of Mark. This series, continued from the fall of 2024, explores the story of Jesus as a way of engaging foundational aspects of the Christian worldview. Each installment in the series highlights key aspects of Jesus’ story, drawing out principles and practices to guide and shape our individual stories and shared work as a university.
Alongside some of our other amazing faculty, this video features my contribution to the study of ark 10:35-45. Check Theology Commons, hosted by the College of Theology
Introduction
Prior to this incident in Mark 10:35–45, Jesus prophesied three times about his death and resurrection. Yet here, at the gates of Jerusalem and under the shadow of the cross, we find the disciples confused about their call to lead like Jesus.
Reflection
Over the years, the disciples had witnessed Jesus perform many miracles. They observed many wonders including the transfiguration of Jesus alongside Elijah and Moses (9:2–13). These proofs of Jesus’ authority came with a promise. When the Son of Man takes the throne of David, he’ll give the disciples their own throne (Matthew 19:27–28).” Filled with excitement, James and John come to Jesus with a request, “give us the thrones of greatest glory.” Their trust in Jesus was sound, but they remained confused about the road ahead. Jesus asked, “Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” The disciples say yes. “We’re willing and ready.” But James and John weren’t ready, and neither were the other disciples whose judgment of James and John revealed their own desire for the same glory. Jesus reminds them all that their call to leadership in God’s Kingdom is not what they imagine, “but whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all.” And here’s where the cross of Christ comes into focus. Jesus himself will become both their role-model and their savior, “for even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
The Big Idea
As we read through Mark’s Gospel, it’s easy to judge James and John as fools who missed the big picture. To be a servant-leader in the kingdom of God means putting the needs of others first (9:35b). A kingdom-leader rejoices in the blessings that God gives to others (9:38–41) A loving-leader welcomes with child-like faith all those who come to Christ (10:13–16). A wise-leader turns away from the pursuit of worldly power, wealth, comfort, and fame (10:17–31).
It’s easy to see the blind-spot of the disciples, yet it’s far more difficult to see our own. Like the rich young ruler, we desire salvation without sacrifice. Like the twelve disciples, our vision is clouded by dreams of greatness. We forget to ask, what does it look like for me to lead like Jesus? What does it look like for me to become a suffering-servant?
Conclusion
As servant-leaders, our purpose is to bless other and invite them into the kingdom of God. Our invitation is delivered, not through judgment and power, but through service and sacrifice. Our reward in this life is not fame and glory, but indignity and suffering. The story of James and John and their pursuit of glory is a reminder, don’t let ambition keep you from leading like Jesus.
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