"Mine!"

For Thursday, February 8, 2024:

Mark 10:37 NLT, James and John asking Jesus: “When you sit on your glorious throne, we want to sit in places of honor next to you, one on your right and the other on your left.”

In spite of all Jesus’ teaching about loving your neighbor and caring for the least of these, the human nature, the old way rises to the surface! Instead of helping others qualify for the kingdom, James and John are foremost concerned with their own positions in the life after this life.

There’s a toddler in our family about to enter the “terrible twos!” He loves to get his hands on things that aren’t his, like his mom’s cell phone or the TV remote. She tells him, “Give it back – that’s mommy’s phone.”

He responds, “Mine!” Like I said, he’s almost two!

Of course a great many things are NOT his, even though he declares, “Mine!” As his years increase, he’ll be taught to share and to care for others. Looking out for #1 will take a back seat.

James and John need to grow out of their “terrible twos.” In my opinion, they should never have asked such a favor of Jesus. It rises against everything Jesus had been teaching. But Jesus is kind, loving and forgiving, and doesn’t make a big deal out of it, saying, “That’s not my favor to grant.”

Jesus could have chewed them out, embarrassing them in front of their cohorts. He chose to not handle it that way! He took the high road!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship