In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus says “For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mk 10:45).
He is speaking to James and John, the sons of Zebedee. They have asked Jesus to appoint them to his right and left hand, to be in places of authority. The men understand that Jesus is heading for something big, for something glorifying, but they’re not following what it all means.
They are still thinking in worldly terms of kings and power, but Jesus is speaking of something much greater – and something much more humble.
Jesus does his best to turn James and John back to the point. He works to reframe what a leader and king is. He is not a ruler who lords his power over others, but rather he says that those who want to be great will be a slave (Mk 10:42-43). To be great in Jesus’ discourse is to be humble, to be last, to be a servant to all others.
This is not a warrior king, a power hungry man, but instead a man of servitude and grace. We are called to follow in Christ footsteps – to not seek worldly power but instead understand that we are called to serve others.
In the immediately following passage, we get an example of what service to others means. Jesus is on the road out of Jericho, with a large crowd around him. Bartimaeus, a blind man, hears that it is Jesus passing by and shouts out to him, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” The crowd attempts to hush Bartimaeus, thinking him unworthy of Jesus’ attention. But Bartimaeus only cries out louder.
Jesus hears this, stops, and calls Bartimaeus to him. Jesus does not care for labels of worthiness – sinner or saint – he wants to be in relationship with people. Bartimaeus leaps up and goes to Jesus, and Jesus serves him in a humble manner.
Jesus does not assume he knows what Bartimaeus wants, instead he asks, “What would you like me to do for you?”
Bartimaeus responds, “My teacher, let me see again.” Immediately, his sight is regained, and he follows Jesus on the way.
Jesus’ question has always amazed me. How often do we assume, in our attempts to serve those less fortunate than us, that we know what they want? How frequently do we assume we have it all figured out, that we know what is best for them? The crowd certainly thought they knew best – that Bartimaeus was better off being quiet.
It’s a prideful response, a human response, and Jesus redirects us here. Instead of serving from a place of “I know what is best,” we are invited to ask, “What do you want me to do for you?”
How can I come along side you?
How can I be your partner in this season?
How can I elevate the voice of the ones who already know what they need?
This is part of service, leaving our preconceived notions of what others need at the door, and instead approaching these relationships through a lens of humility and curiosity.
May we approach our call to service with a curious mind and a humble heart.
May we walk beside our neighbor, mutually deepening our relationships.
May we know that we are not called to have power over others, but to have power with others.