Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came over and spoke to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do us a favor.” “What is your request?” he asked. They replied, “When you sit on your glorious throne, we want to sit in places of honor next to you, one on your right and the other on your left.” But Jesus said to them, “You don’t know what you are asking! Are you able to drink from the bitter cup of suffering I am about to drink? Are you able to be baptized with the baptism of suffering I must be baptized with?” “Oh yes,” they replied, “we are able!” Then Jesus told them, “You will indeed drink from my bitter cup and be baptized with my baptism of suffering. But I have no right to say who will sit on my right or my left. God has prepared those places for the ones he has chosen.” When the ten other disciples heard what James and John had asked, they were indignant. So Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Mark 10:35-45

Dear God, my first thought when I read this story is, “Oh, John and James, don’t do it!” I mean, what did they think they were asking for? Were they hoping to get to sit back and judge people all day long? Did they simply want to be in a position of authority over everyone else? Was that what was in their hearts?

So as I sit here in judgment of them, I have to ask myself if I do this? In my position at my work or even in my own home, do I lord it over others? I hope I am both a leader and a servant. At home, I’m obviously a co-leader with my wife, and I don’t think she feels like she cannot exert her will at any given time. At work, I’ve learned over the years that it is important to have that person who is responsible and sets the tone and direction, but at the same time it’s important to serve those who are working for and with you and ensure that they are getting everything they need to feel successful at their jobs.

Of course, I fail at all of this at times. I have failed with my wife and children. I’ve failed with coworkers and subordinates. I’m really sorry for that. I know better. I have the bad examples of John and James to follow here.

Father, help me to be a servant to those around me. I know I have to be careful to not abdicate the leadership they need from me, but show me how to do it in love. Help me to build them up. Help me to hear your voice and lead with your wisdom. And let all of this be for your glory and so that your kingdom will come, even in the small way my life can influence it, on earth as it is in heaven.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen