Jesus pointed his disciples to true greatness.

When James and John asked Jesus if they could be the ones to sit on Jesus' right and left hand in heaven, Jesus was not offended by their wish. Later on, however, when the other disciples heard about it, they were not so kind.

The Bible calls them "indignant."

Jesus simply uses this as a "teachable moment" for the disciples. He huddles them up and reminds them of the things he had taught them. They are not to operate the way the world around them operates.

He helps them recall all that he had demonstrated to them. They are to follow in Jesus' footsteps.

To serve and sacrifice -- that's why Jesus came.

And that is the way to greatness in God's kingdom. Service and sacrifice.

"Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 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 10:43-45, NIV).

Our Bible reading for Sunday, March 1, is Leviticus 5:14 - 7:10, Mark 10:32-52 and Proverbs 6:12-19.

Lord, help me to serve and sacrifice for others, as you first served and sacrificed for me. Thank you for being truly great, because your greatness is my eternal salvation.

Header image based on "Close up eye red - Jesus - Cross" by Gerardofegan, CC By 2.0