Scripture Reading : Mark 10:32-52
Theme : Jesus Foretells His Death & Resurrection III
- The Prediction of Death. For a third time, Jesus foretold His death and resurrection, His real mission for becoming man. However, the disciples were still dull in their understanding, with James and John asking Jesus for places of prominence.
- The Pride of the Disciples. James and John came to Jesus in pride, even wanting Jesus to promise them whatever they want. When Jesus asked them if they were “able to drink the cup”, they were quick to answer in the affirmative. Jesus predicted that they would also drink the same cup, which meant that they too will suffer and be martyred for Christ (Acts 12:2), but that in itself would not earn them the honors they desired.
- The Paradox of Discipleship. The Gentile (non-Jews) rulers would exercise their authority over their subjects, but such is not the same in God’s economy. Jesus demonstrated through His own example that if one desires to be great, he must humble himself and become the lowest of slaves.
Praying the Scripture
- The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is the heart of the Gospel. Let us pray that we will not grow tired of hearing and proclaiming the message of the Gospel.
- We may be serving God in many different areas, but that does not give us the right to ask God for anything. Luke 17:10 “So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.’” Let us humble ourselves before God and not boast in our works.
- God’s economy is not the same as our economy. God desires that we humble ourselves and serve others. If we are not serving actively in church, pray that God will give us willing hearts to serve.
经文：马可福音10:32-52
主题：耶稣预言自己的死与复活（三）
- 死亡的预言。耶稣第三次预言祂的死和复活，也就是祂成为人的真正使命。然而，众门徒依然不明白这事，而雅各与约翰更是向耶稣提出要坐在高位上。
- 门徒的骄傲。雅各和约翰带着骄傲的心到耶稣前，甚至要耶稣答应凡他们所求的。当耶稣问他们是否能喝祂所喝的杯时，他们想都没想就说能。耶稣预言他们确实要喝同样的杯，意思是他们也会受苦，并为基督殉道（使12:2），但这本身并不足以让他们得到心目中所渴望的荣誉。
- 作门徒的矛盾性。外邦（非犹太人）君王会施行权柄治理他们的臣子，但神的管理方式却不一样。耶稣藉着自己的榜样显示：若有谁愿为首，他就必须谦卑自己，做众人的仆人。
用经文祷告
- 耶稣基督的死与复活是福音的核心。让我们祈求我们不会为听道及传福音感到厌倦。
- 我们或许在各个领域中事奉神，但这并不表示我们就有权利向神要什么。路加福音17:10说：“这样，你们做完了一切所吩咐的，只当说：‘我们是无用的仆人，所做的本是我们应分做的。’”让我们在神面前谦卑，不要因所做的事自夸。
- 神的形式作为与我们的有别。神要我们谦卑自己并事奉他人。我们若不在教会中积极事奉，祈求神会给我们愿意服侍的心。
