Seeking Importance 

     Two disciples, James and John, brothers, were convinced that Jesus was going to be the king. Like many in our world today, they wanted in on the glory. 

     "Teacher," they asked, "we want you to do for us whatever we ask." 

     "What do you want me to do for you?" Jesus asked...as if he didn't know. 

     "Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory." 

     Jesus said, "You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with. (But that) is not for me to grant." 

     The other ten disciples were indignant with James and John. What a put down. Jesus called them together, noting how "rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them." 

     "Not so with you. Whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man (himself) did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" - Mark 10.

     Many Scriptures to follow, before and after Jesus suffered for the world, remind believers to live humbly and to serve others. If God raises up a believer in authority and/or wealth, so be it. But, our calling is to follow Jesus' example, willing to suffer.

     As for John, he had no idea how glorious is Jesus. But, decades later, he was privileged to see what no one else has seen, and hear his Lord say, during his Revelation, "I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star."