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downward mobility

Mark 10:32-45
"32 And they were in the way going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus went before them: and they were amazed; and as they followed, they were afraid. And He took again the twelve, and began to tell them what things should happen unto Him,
33 Saying, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be delivered unto the chief priests, and unto the scribes; and they shall condemn Him to death, and shall deliver Him to the Gentiles:
34 And they shall mock Him, and shall scourge Him, and shall spit upon Him, and shall kill Him: and the third day He shall rise again.
35 And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, come unto Him, saying, Master, we would that Thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire.
36 And He said unto them, What would ye that I should do for you?
37 They said unto Him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on Thy right hand, and the other on Thy left hand, in Thy glory.
38 But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?
39 And they said unto Him, We can. And Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized:
40 But to sit on My right hand and on My left hand is not mine to give; but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared.
41 And when the ten heard it, they began to be much displeased with James and John.
42 But Jesus called them to Him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them.
43 But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister:
44 And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all.
45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many."

Today’s verses record Jesus’ third prediction of His passion and the disciples’ continued misunderstanding of His mission. As He leads the Twelve toward Jerusalem, Jesus openly foretells His suffering, death, and resurrection. Yet the disciples remain focused on earthly power rather than His coming sacrifice.

James and John ask for seats of honor at Jesus’ right and left in His glory, sparking anger among the other ten. Jesus uses the moment to redefine greatness: unlike Gentile rulers who lord their authority over others, true leadership in His kingdom means humble service.

He concludes by modeling His own mission: “to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many.” The path to glory in God’s Kingdom is self-sacrifice and downward mobility, not status or power.

Why do we often seek positions of power rather than positions of service?🤔

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