For even the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve...
Mark 10:45
James and John marched up to Jesus and asked him for exactly what they thought they deserved:
the most important positions in his coming kingdom.
But Jesus told these two dear friends that they had no idea what they were asking for. To really walk in his authority we must also drink the cup Jesus drank - that is, we need to take up our cross daily and follow him by denying ourselves and serving others.
The other disciples were annoyed when they heard what James and John had requested.
So Jesus had to do some damage control. He called the Twelve together and said,
"You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them,
and their high officials exercise authority over them.
Not so with you.
Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.
For the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Mark 10:42-45)
