Read Mark 10
Highlights:
Jesus' wise guidelines for human relationships (Mark 10:1-16,35-45). Joy for those who receive Jesus as Messiah (11:1-10), who said: My House shall be called . . . the House of Prayer (11:17).
Jesus, on His last journey to Jerusalem, told His disciples: 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: 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 (Mark 10:33-34). Despite this horrifying news, some of the disciples had their selfish hearts set on positions of importance. To the sons of Zebedee. . . . He said . . . What would ye that I should do for you? 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 (10:35-37).
It is of utmost importance that we search our own hearts concerning Jesus' response: Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many (10:42-45).
At the Last Supper, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands (John 13:3), Jesus prepared the water to wash the feet of His disciples according to the custom. But all twelve were full of thoughts of who should be greatest in the Kingdom (Luke 22:24-27). While their thoughts were upon their recognition and honor, the King used His own holy hands to wash His disciples' feet.
We need to remind ourselves that, the higher we rise in seeking to be like Christ, the lower we should willingly stoop to serve those around us.
A Christian should always be available to do what will please his Master since he belongs to his Master. He will even "wash the feet of a Judas" — show humility to those who wrong us. The Christ-like servant lives in the reality that to love and to serve like Jesus did is the highest privilege and brings the greatest joy, for it is doing the will of the Father (John 5:30).
Whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted (Luke 14:11).
Thought for Today:
And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all (Mark 10:44).
Cross References:
For Mark 10:6: See Gen. 1:27; 5:2. Mark 10:7-8: See Gen. 2:24. Mark 10:19: See Ex. 20:12-16; Deut. 5:16-20. Mark 11:9: See Ps. 118:26. Mark 11:17: See Is. 56:7; Jer. 7:11.
Word Studies:
10:1 by the farther side of beyond; people resort multitudes gather; 11:8 strawed spread, scattered.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Iva Jo Swinsburg • Staff: Gina Lesnefsky • Government Officials: Rep. Michael Quigley (IL), Rep. Gene Green (TX) and Rep. Martin Heinrich (NM) • Country: Burkina Faso (11 million) in western Africa • Major languages: French and Sudanic tribal languages • Religious freedom • 48% Muslim; 33% belief in false gods, idolatry, and heathenism; 14% Roman Catholic; 5% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Lift up your prayers to God with your whole heart (Ps. 119:58,145).
Memory Verse for the Week:
