To Be the Greatest

"When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John. Jesus called them 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 even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.'"
Mark 10:41-45

The disciples James and John, whom Jesus called, "The Sons of Thunder," had come to him with a request. They had heard all the things Jesus had taught regarding the kingdom of heaven. So they asked Jesus to allow one of them to sit on his left, and one on his right, when they entered his kingdom. Jesus let them know that this was not his to grant. The Father would reserve those places. When the other disciples heard about the request, they were upset with their fellow followers. It was at this point that Jesus called them all together and taught them a simple but incredibly important lesson.
    First, he told them that the ways of the world don't work. Those who rule in the world, abuse their power by taking advantage of those who are subservient to them. They abuse their authority by separating themselves from others and taking the position of ruler over others. Thus, everything they say and do becomes condescending to the others. In the face of this kind of rule, Jesus presented an opposing scenario. He told them that rather than trying to become great, it was better, more efficient, and profitable to become a slave to others. In other words, he taught that we are to serve other people, no matter what our earthly position. He came to be a servant, not an earthly ruler. He exemplified the true meaning of servanthood. 
    Although we cannot provide the sacrifice Jesus did, though we cannot die to ransom all mankind, we can choose to be a servant to others. When we do this, we literally give up our lives for them. This is the kind of life that Jesus desires for us to live. When we do it, the kingdom of heaven is ours and our position there is solidified. There is no selfishness in the kingdom of God, no pride, no class system. We can't attempt to gain high position, because there is no value in that. To be a citizen of God's kingdom grants us every blessing. Everything the kingdom has to offer is ours.
    Jesus made sure the disciples understood that none of them was superior to another. All were equal in his eyes. And so it is with us. Everyone who is seeking the kingdom, all who are taking hold of it, are equal. All who become servants to others will be great in the kingdom. The disciples understood something that some of us need to remember: The kingdom is the greatest, in fact the only thing that is worth seeking. This is why James and John asked. Jesus had taught them about the kingdom and they wanted all they could get. If we follow their example and the example of Christ, we will find the kingdom as well. Eternity will be glorious!