who is the greatest?

 Mark 10:35-45 is the Gospel text for next Sunday, October 17.

James and John want to be important, to be recognized as great - to have status above the others, and presumably power over them.

Jesus asked them if they were able to drink the cup He must drink.  Having no idea, they said, "Absolutely."  Jesus informed them that they would drink the cup He drank, but that the seating arrangement was not up to Him, but rather to God.

The ten were indignant.  Why didn't they think of it first?  They were a product of worldly values, having lived under empire for much of their lives.  Status was that upon which Roman society was built.  Power and wealth came with it and, to some degree, helped create it.  Status was critical to them, but not in the Kingdom.

Jesus used gentile leaders as an example of how NOT to be.  Power and status are different in the Kingdom.  To be GREAT is to be the one who serves the most humbly.  To have POWER is not to have it over others, but that in the sharing of power ALL may have Shalom (completeness, wholeness, well-being) and therefore peace.

Jesus used Himself as an example, because He gave up His GREATNESS to be born in lowly, human form and live this life.  He gave up His POWER in dying for others, and thus giving the most powerful gift of all.  

It turns upside down the worldly, empire notion of first and last.

Throughout the Gospels Jesus takes on the corrupt, evil values of empire.

So, who among us is the greatest?

Pastor Jamie