One definition of ambition, according to Webster's Dictionary, is "a desire to be successful, powerful, or famous." In our lesson, the two disciples seem to be longing for such success, power, and fame.
Jesus asks James and John if they can drink the cup that he drinks and share in his baptism. They assure him that they are able to do so. Jesus then tells them that it is not his place to grant them positions in the coming Kingdom.
As I ponder this passage, I think of Calvary. There, Jesus suffered on the cross, hanging between two thieves. As Christ was coming into the Kingdom, he hung in shame before the world. I wonder if James and John would have wanted the positions on the right and left of Jesus on Calvary. I doubt that, at the time, they would have wanted to be crucified alongside Christ. Then, that just was not their ambition.
The other disciples are angered by the requests of James and John. Jesus redirects all of the disciples to consider that true greatness is achieved by servant hood, telling them that he has come not to be served but to serve and to give his life to liberate many people.
Jesus is turning things upside down again. He shows us that we are not to be self-serving. Our desire is to be one of service for others. That fits well with another dictionary definition of ambition, "a desire to do things and be active." We are to desire to be actively serving others.
How are you doing in terms of service? Are you helping those around you? Are you actively seeking ways that you might benefit others? Service is the call of the Christian life.
As you pray this week, ask God to help you to be a good servant in the Kingdom. Ask God for a servant's heart as you journey through this life. Ask God to show you ways that you can serve others.
In His service,
Pastor Linda
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