Live an others-focused life

Mark wrote a Gospel about the life and ministry of Jesus for a Gentile audience. John and James approached Jesus and asked that they be given the honor positions (the right and left hand positions of the throne) when Jesus came into glory. They mistakenly believed that Jesus was an earthly Messiah, who would reign in Jerusalem. Jesus asked them if they were willing to suffer (go through the baptisms that He was) as He was. They agreed naively since they did not realize the extent of what Jesus would endure or what the future held for them.

Jesus had to correct their and the other 10 apostles' attitudes. They sought glory and power for themselves. Jesus told them that they were not to be self-serving; these type of people would not be honored by the Father in the kingdom of heaven. Instead, paradoxically, the ones who were self-sacrificial would be considered great in the kingdom.

The kingdom of God is both a present reality and a future promise. The kingdom is in effect now but is awaiting final consummation when Jesus returns. In kingdom living, the ones who seem great will be least. The ones who are focused on the welfare of others are valued by the Father. That's why Jesus said to do things without seeking fanfare.

We are to live our lives sacrificially. We are to put aside our selfish ways and satisfy the needs of others. And we are to do this in love as Jesus did for us. This is against our fleshly nature, which desires significance and satisfaction. The Holy Spirit will satisfy these desires of we ask Him and humbly submit to His desires.

Created 4 months ago