Friday's SOAP - Mark 10:41-45

⁴¹ When the ten other disciples heard what James and John had asked, they were indignant. ⁴² So Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. ⁴³ But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant,⁴⁴ and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. ⁴⁵ For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.

S(cripture) - For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.

O(bservation) - What kind of God is this? A God who comes to serve and give his life? How can this be? God is power. God is authority. God is control. These are the things humans are after. These are the things promised when the serpent promised Adam and Eve that they could be like God with a few bites of forbidden fruit. Even Jesus' disciples - james and John. A request to sit on Jesus right and left - the picture is one of authority, prestige, power in a royal court. And Jesus says, this isn't what God is like. We run around like little gods attaining to the opposite of what Jesus calls us to be about. Want to lead? Serve. Want to be first? Be a slave. Be like God - the Son of Man - who came to serve others and give his life as a ransom of many.

A(pplication) - Think life isn't treating you fair? Think you aren't getting your due? Want to be recognized and applauded? Slaves don't get a curtain call. Jesus is trying to tell the world, tell us, something. The ways of God are not power, prestige, popularity. The ways of God are love, service, and sharing. Love. Serve. Share.

P(rayer) - Abba, the little god in me cried out for control, to be served. The Spirit whispers serve. Oh Spirit, win in me. Amen.