Mark 10 Devotional

Served by the Son of Man

“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 10:45 (BSB)

Much of this chapter is about people jostling for position. The disciples turn away children (10:13). A rich man asks what he must do to inherit eternal life, then walks away sad when Jesus tells him to give away his wealth and follow (10:17-22). James and John ask for the best seats in Jesus' glory, and the other ten are angry with them (10:35-41). Meanwhile Jesus walks ahead of them toward Jerusalem, telling them plainly that he will be mocked, flogged and killed, and will rise (10:32-34).

Then he names the reason. He did not come to be waited on. He came to serve, and to pay with his own life the price that sets many free (10:45). When the disciples wonder who can possibly be saved, Jesus tells them it is impossible for people, but not for God (10:26-27). What people cannot buy or earn, he gives by giving himself. Because he has served you that way, you are free to stop competing for first place and serve someone else.

To think about: Where are you competing for recognition, and how might remembering that Jesus served you change the way you treat someone today?