Not the Criteria

Scripture: Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” And they said to him, “We are able.” And Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you will drink, and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized, but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.” Mark 10:38-40

Observation: James and John have asked to sit at Jesus' right and left hand in his glory, and Jesus asks them a question. However, the question is NOT a test - Jesus is not saying that, if they can drink the cup he will drink, and bear the baptism he will bear, then their request will be granted. In fact, when they answer affirmative, Jesus agrees with them, saying they will do these things, yet he can't grant their request.

So what is Jesus asking? He is asking James and John: Will you believe in the Messiah and accept the Holy Spirit? Will you be willing to be persecuted and even die for your faith in God and Messiah? Their affirmative answer to these questions, which Jesus validates, then are not the criteria for sitting at Jesus' side. Jesus then explains:

And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 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 10:42-44]

That is the criteria for honor in heaven ... not to believe, not to believe greatly, and not to be great ... but to serve.

Application: Faith in Jesus - and absolute obedience - has never been the criteria for honor. In fact, it is the opposite: True faith - the faith that would lead one to suffer all things for Christ - means you have also reached an understanding of humility whereby you will not elevate yourself, but rather be a servant to all.

I still fail to do this.

Recently, I have been proud of my actions. While part of me wants to be anonymous and behind the scenes, another part of me has been proud that Phil knows of our work, commitment, giving, and service. This is the pride that lead James and John to ask for honor in heaven; the pride that lead Peter to declare Jesus shouldn't die; the pride that lead Thomas to require physical proof of the resurrection.

It is humility that allowed John to die peacefully in exile; that lead Peter to be crucified upside down; that sent Philip running after a eunuch's chariot; that allowed Mary to wash feet with her own hair.

The season is coming for me to get behind the scenes. I need to renew my heart in this regard. I need to set aside my pride - to not only understand but also behave in a manner whereby I know what I do is not of my actions but only through God - so that I can become a good slave to all.

Prayer: Jesus, please make me a slave to all. Guide me to serve everyone at work. Help me to do thankless and hidden labor at church. And mostly, keep pride out of my heart so I do not seek, not even in my mind, praise and acknowledgment for my actions. Amen.