Mark 10:35-45

Who wouldn’t want to be “Best Buds” with Jesus? And, if “Best Buds” with Jesus, who wouldn’t want to sit to His immediate left and right?

James and John were so obsessed with this request that they had gotten way behind as Jesus and the other disciples were walking. After they caught their breath and caught up with the disciples, James and John blurted out that they had a favor to request of Jesus.

“We were wondering if maybe, in heaven, we could sit next to You – one on the right side and one on the left. Jesus looked at them and said, ‘You are good friends, but every person has a special place in heaven. No one gets a place that’s more special than anyone else’s.’”

If James and John could not be seated at Jesus’ left and right, then at least they would have a special place in heaven. But more than the place, the important thing for James and John was to learn that they were going to be given special tasks to serve others.

“Jesus called the disciples together. He told them the best way to serve Him was to serve others. He helped them understand that He had come to help people and wanted them to do the same.”

The question for us is: “How will we serve Jesus today?” which equates to “How will we help others today?”

Prayer

Lord Jesus, forgive us for wanting the special privileges without doing what we can to serve You and to help others as we do so. Thank You for preparing a special place in heaven for all those who believe in You, who love You and who desire to serve You. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.