Highlights In Today's Reading:
Jesus teaches on divorce (10:1-12). Importance of childlike faith (10:13-16; 10:52; 11:22-24). The rich young ruler leaves the Savior grieved (10:17-27). Mark's version of Zechariah 9:9 (11:1-11). The Sons of Zebedee seek selfish request (10:35-45). Jesus skillfully answers His accusers (11:27-33).
Jesus, following His last journey to Jerusalem at the Last Supper, said: The Son of Man shall be delivered unto the chief priests, and unto the scribes; and they shall condemn Him to death, and shall deliver Him to the Gentiles: And they shall mock Him, and shall scourge Him, and shall spit upon Him, and shall kill Him: and the third day He shall rise again (10:33-34). Despite this horrifying news, some of the disciples had their hearts set on selfish positions of importance. To the sons of Zebedee. . . . He said . . . What would ye that I should do for you? They said unto Him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on Thy right hand, and the other on Thy left hand, in Thy glory (10:35-37).
It is of utmost importance that we search our own hearts concerning Jesus' response: Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many (10:42-45).
At the Last Supper, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands (John 13:3), Jesus prepared the water to wash the feet of His disciples according to the custom. But each of the twelve were full of thoughts of who should be greatest in the kingdom (Luke 22:24-27). While their thoughts were upon their recognition and honor, the King used His own holy hands and proceeded to wash His disciples' feet.
We need to remind ourselves that, the higher we rise in seeking to be like Christ, the lower we shall willingly stoop to serve those around us.
A Christian should always be available to do what will please his Master since he belongs to his Master. He will even wash the feet of a Judas. The Christ-like servant lives in the reality that to love and to serve like Jesus did is the highest privilege and brings the greatest joy for it is doing the will of the Father (John 5:30).
Whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted (Luke 14:11).
Thought for Today:
Many who have sought happiness through personal gain have found that real satisfaction comes in serving others.
Word Studies:
10:1 farther side =eyond; resort =b> gathered; 11:8 strawed =b> spread, scattered.
Cross References:
For Mark 10:6: See Genesis 1:27; 5:2. Mark 10:7-8: See Genesis 2:24. Mark 10:19: See Exodus 20:12-16; Deuteronomy 5:16-20. Mark 11:9: See Psalm 118:26. Mark 11:17: See Isaiah 56:7; Jerermiah 7:11.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Shortwave Broadcasts in memory of Letha Hash • Staff: Al Joslyn • Government Officials: Rep. Virgil Goode, Jr. (VA), Rep. Gene Green (TX), and Rep. David Hobson (OH) • Country: Kenya (29 million) in eastern Africa • Major languages: English and Swahili • Religious freedom • 46% Protestant; 27% Roman Catholic; 17% belief in mystical powers; 6% Muslim; 3% Eastern Orthodox • Prayer Suggestion: Sing praises to God, for He hears your prayers and delivers you (Psa. 40:1-3).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 6:34