But Among You It Will Be Different.

In this New Testament passage, Jesus teaches His own about serving others. The first seven words of verse 43 is where Jesus really nails the truth home for those of us who will be called "His fully devoted disciples".

(35) Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came over and spoke to Him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do us a favor.” (36) “What is your request?” He asked. (37) They replied, “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.” (38) But Jesus said to them, “You don’t know what you are asking! Are you able to drink from the bitter cup of suffering I am about to drink? Are you able to be baptized with the baptism of suffering I must be baptized with?” (39) “Oh yes,” they replied, “we are able!” Then Jesus told them, “You will indeed drink from My bitter cup and be baptized with My baptism of suffering. (40) But I have no right to say who will sit on My right or My left. God has prepared those places for the ones He has chosen.” (41) When the ten other disciples heard what James and John had asked, they were indignant. (42) So Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. (43) But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, (44) and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. (45) For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
-- Mark 10:35-43 (NLT)

Consider it all joy. -- James 1:2-4
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Yes, Ascension Is Just Above Suffering!

On my multiple pilgrimages to the Holy Land, one particuarly geographical reality is very inspiring: The Place of Jesus' Ascension, The Mount of Olives, is located just above The Place of Jesus' Suffering, Gethsemane. This visual surely inspires hope.

Standing there, I hear my Granny's death-bed chant resounding in the depths of my soul. Yes, simply and profoundly because my Granny's death-bed chant was in reality a delightful cheer: If I suffer with Him, I shall reign with him. (My Granny's Paraphrase of 2 Timothy 2:12 KJV)

Be encouraged, friends of Jesus. Let us keep our heads up while our knees are down, because The Gate of Suffering always leads to The Mount of Celebration for those Who belong to Christ. Indeed, the bitterness of Gethsemane's Olive Grove is but the entry way to the blessedness of The Mount of Olives! Earthly suffering with Jesus ultimately gives way to Eternally reigning with Jesus.

Yes, if we endure suffering with Jesus today, we can expect celebration with Jesus tomorrow.

IF MY PEOPLE... WILL? I WILL! God's Promise in 2 Chron. 7:14.
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