Read Mark 10:35-45
Discover
1. What did James and John’s request reveal about them?
2. Where do you see a lack of patience in the disciples who were present for this conversation?
3. How did Jesus compare and contrast His ways with the ways of the world?
Respond
Places of honor are highly sought after today, and they were in Jesus’ time too. His disciples James and John wanted a fast-track guarantee of high position. But Jesus turned their request upside down, saying that following Him meant a life of suffering and being a servant.
Neither of those are usually desired, but they show an understanding of what patience means. It’s ultimately about how we view ourselves and others. Impatience in relationships says, “I’m the focus. How can I get to the top as quickly as possible?” Patience says, “You’re the focus. How can I get low to lift you up, no matter how long it takes?” Patience places our own wants and desires under the lordship of Jesus and follows His model of selfless service.
Where are you struggling to model that type of patience? What would it look like to selflessly serve someone today? Take a minute to pray through your relationships, and then take a step to get low to lift someone else up.
Want to go deeper? Read Philippians 2:1-11, and mark all the actions that require the fruit of patience. How would these actions impact your relationships?