When a leper approached, Jesus laid his hand upon him and
cleansed him.
When a group of people lowered their paralyzed friend in
front of Jesus, he forgave his sins and restored the strength in his legs.
When Jairus requested that Jesus come and heal his
daughter, Jesus raised her from the dead.
When the Syropheonician woman asked Jesus to cast the
unclean spirit out of her daughter, Jesus healed her from a distance.
When the masses brought their sick friends, Jesus cast out
every demon and cured every disease.
It seems Jesus does whatever anyone asks of him.
So James and John, the fishermen from Galilee, come to him
with a request of their own. “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand
and one at your left, in your glory.” They are sure they know how everything is
going to turn out. They know Jesus does everything well, so they ask for what
they want, too. They want a place of honor and security once everything’s said
and done.
But those things are not Jesus’ to give.
The request itself infuriates the other ten disciples, and a
division opens amongst them. Jesus steps in as quickly as he can. Rifts,
divisions, and competition are common amongst the rulers of nations of the
world, but the rulers of Jesus’ empire will be known for their humility and
service. Those who wish to be first must be least of all, serving all.
Jesus heals the opening rift and tells them: The only honor available here is to die on
behalf of others.
Text for the day:
Things to think
about:
The Kingdom of God is experienced through selflessness.
Things to do:
Give thanks to God to those people in your life who have
made sacrifices for you.
Jesus,
bring your Kingdom near to others through me.
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