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.
- Mark 10:42-44

In this week’s text, James and John come to Jesus and ask to be elevated to positions of greatness. He doesn’t give them what they ask for, but he also doesn’t critique their desire for greatness.

While we were looking at this passage in the office today, Alex had a great flash of insight into it. What Jesus does in this passage is that he affirms their destination but redraws the map they need to take to get there. Let that soak in for a moment.

James and John want to get to greatness. The path they see to get to greatness involves cozying up to powerful people (like Jesus) and making bold requests. Maybe they’ll prove their loyalty with courage or violence. Maybe they’ll be smarter, faster and better than the pack.

Following that path to greatness molds and shapes you into a certain kind of person: the sort of person who lords their position over others and craves more and more authority. These would be the sort of people who would crucify Jesus.

But Jesus highlights an alternative path to greatness. Jesus’ path doesn’t require you to ascend, to climb the ladder of success. Instead, Jesus’ path is the path of descent, the path of service.

The irony in Jesus’ teaching is that the path of service was the default path for his disciples. They lacked wealth, education, and social capital. They were ruled by the Romans and the Jewish authorities. Although they weren’t slaves, they weren’t much better off than the common household slaves on the estates that dotted the Judean hillsides.

You also are already near the path to greatness. It’s right there next to you. Will you choose to serve? This is a daily choice, a choice that goes against the grain of the world, a choice that God uses to transform us.

What will it look like for you to choose to be a servant today? Who can you serve? How can you serve them? What will it cost you?