Mark 10:45
Transformation. It’s a word I’ve heard a lot this month; people resolving to transform their bodies with diet and exercise. Our women’s group has been going through a study that focuses on transforming our thoughts. Podcasts and reels highlight home transformations and personal growth transformations. Have you ever thought about transforming service and leadership in your life? Today’s scripture passage is a great lesson. Mark 10:45 ““For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Here in the book of Mark, the disciples had strong discussions, even arguments, about who would sit at the right or left hand of Jesus, who would be the greatest. Jesus reminded these dedicated disciples that the first will be last and that the greatest would be like a child. James and John eventually came right out and asked Jesus to place them in a lofty position, evident that the disciples didn’t quite understand what kind of king Jesus was or what kind of kingdom He was bringing.
This one verse is a profound lesson about true greatness and leadership in the Kingdom of God. The worldly view of authority and power is that leaders are served, favored, and exalted. But Jesus calls us to a higher standard. We are invited to follow his example. We are called to lead by serving. True leadership is not about exerting power over others but about empowering them and uplifting them with our humble, selfless and sacrificial service. Jesus King of Kings and Lord of Lords chose to serve. The ultimate sacrifice was giving his life, “as a ransom,” his death on the cross redeems us from the bondage of sin and death. That is true servanthood.
May we, disciples and followers of Jesus, always remember that real ministry is to serve, not to be served. Be a radical and humble servant, be like Jesus.
Here in the book of Mark, the disciples had strong discussions, even arguments, about who would sit at the right or left hand of Jesus, who would be the greatest. Jesus reminded these dedicated disciples that the first will be last and that the greatest would be like a child. James and John eventually came right out and asked Jesus to place them in a lofty position, evident that the disciples didn’t quite understand what kind of king Jesus was or what kind of kingdom He was bringing.
This one verse is a profound lesson about true greatness and leadership in the Kingdom of God. The worldly view of authority and power is that leaders are served, favored, and exalted. But Jesus calls us to a higher standard. We are invited to follow his example. We are called to lead by serving. True leadership is not about exerting power over others but about empowering them and uplifting them with our humble, selfless and sacrificial service. Jesus King of Kings and Lord of Lords chose to serve. The ultimate sacrifice was giving his life, “as a ransom,” his death on the cross redeems us from the bondage of sin and death. That is true servanthood.
May we, disciples and followers of Jesus, always remember that real ministry is to serve, not to be served. Be a radical and humble servant, be like Jesus.