Mark 10:35-45

35 Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do for us whatever we ask.”

36 “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked.

37 They replied, “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.”

38 “You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said. “Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?”

39 “We can,” they answered.

Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with, 40 but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared.”

41 When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John. 42 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 43 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

-Mark 10:35-45

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When reading the request of James and John, one might think, wow, what guts they have to ask for such a high honor from Jesus! How could James and John dare to request this?

However, although we may not ask for the exact same request, we all probably have had similar thoughts, as in thinking about what honors we should get, or something we believe we deserve. Often we may do some good deed or help someone with something and we expect something in return or want to be recognized in some way.

Humility is definitely a tricky and difficult thing to practice. It's not easy to lower yourself and put others' needs above yours, or to do something for someone without being recognized. Furthermore, especially in society today that's all about striving for success and being the best, it's hard to be a "servant" and live to help others.

But if we were to look for an example of how to do this, the clearest and best person to look to would be Jesus, who often can be referred to as the "humble king". Jesus, who was the king of kings, lord of lords, God with skin on, decided to give up his heavenly place and come down to earth to serve, to heal, to teach, to love, and to ultimately give up his own life for us mankind. Jesus, who knew no sin and was the giver of life, chose to become sin and give up his life "as a ransom for many". What an amazing image of humility and servitude by our God! This is also one of the many way Christianity differs from all the other religions, in that the God we worship and serve is a God who has humbled himself and served us, and continues to help us even to this day!

Now when we do these good deeds and serve others, it's not a bad thing to be recognized to to accept acknowledgements from others. Jesus tells us that He blesses us when we do certain good things, such as those listed in the beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12). Furthermore, Jesus promises rewards and treasures in heaven for those who serve him, and we can definitely look forward to that!

However, there are definitely things beyond our control and comprehension, as we see in Jesus's response when he says "These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared." Many rewards or blessings, especially physical ones we wish for in this world, should not always be expected, and those should not ultimately be why we do good things or help others.

Rather, as Jesus teaches, we must strive to have a servant heart, to be a "slave of all". This of course does not mean we have to literally serve others all the time and be their slaves, but rather help and serve others out of love and desire to support others. Whether it be volunteering with something or being there for a friend at a difficult time, God sees and honors those who serve others and practice humility. He calls us to have the will and desire to serve and not to be served, just as Jesus did.