Word@Work 118 - Mark 10:28-31
Published: Wed, 05/07/08
Word@Work from BeaconLight
Read Mark 10:28-31 Peter said to him, "We have left everything to follow you!" "I tell you the truth," Jesus replied, "no-one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age (homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields - and with them, persecutions) and in the age to come, eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first." (NIV)
Some people always have an answer! Peter was, as usual, eager to protest his loyalty to the cause: and at face value he was speaking the truth. He was a fisherman, and when Jesus called him away from his nets - he obeyed and followed. However, he still had a home, wife and extended family (cf Matt 8:14); and easy access to his old trade (cf John 21:3). But his protest had a distinctly grasping edge, as the passage is expanded in Matthew 19:27: Peter answered him, "We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?"
Jesus unveils the reward for selfless service, but clarifies the qualifying criteria. The rewards are only for service done for Jesus and for the Gospel - not religious enthusiasm (as with the rich young ruler), and certainly not bright ideas to help the Jesus-cause. Peter had already been rebuked for that (cf Mark 8:31-33). The rewards for true service are, in this life, more than ample provision for our needs; and persecution as well! And after that, a life with God that is undiluted for ever. However, it is the character as well as the sacrifice that is weighed. Those who want to be first will be last and vice-versa. That may well have bitten into Peter's 'me-first' ego.
What we do comes from what we are; and what we are is formed by our relationship with God and with others. Peter's character had not yet been transformed by the Holy Spirit. He behaved towards Jesus as a typical secular business person. But Jesus was no more impressed by his assertive, on-message style, than by the rich young man (cf Mark 10:17-22). Instead he was looking for a soft heart willing to serve without looking for reward. This should remind us that whatever successful business style we have cultured, it requires transformation into servant-heartedness if it is to pass an appraisal by Jesus.
Prayer: Father God, Forgive me for thinking that the attitudes that make for worldly success, will build Your Kingdom or please You. Grant me a fresh internal revolution by the Holy Spirit, as my mind is renewed by Your Word - that I may be servant-hearted in the Name of Jesus and in the proclamation of the Gospel. For Christ's sake, Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
Some people always have an answer! Peter was, as usual, eager to protest his loyalty to the cause: and at face value he was speaking the truth. He was a fisherman, and when Jesus called him away from his nets - he obeyed and followed. However, he still had a home, wife and extended family (cf Matt 8:14); and easy access to his old trade (cf John 21:3). But his protest had a distinctly grasping edge, as the passage is expanded in Matthew 19:27: Peter answered him, "We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?"
Jesus unveils the reward for selfless service, but clarifies the qualifying criteria. The rewards are only for service done for Jesus and for the Gospel - not religious enthusiasm (as with the rich young ruler), and certainly not bright ideas to help the Jesus-cause. Peter had already been rebuked for that (cf Mark 8:31-33). The rewards for true service are, in this life, more than ample provision for our needs; and persecution as well! And after that, a life with God that is undiluted for ever. However, it is the character as well as the sacrifice that is weighed. Those who want to be first will be last and vice-versa. That may well have bitten into Peter's 'me-first' ego.
What we do comes from what we are; and what we are is formed by our relationship with God and with others. Peter's character had not yet been transformed by the Holy Spirit. He behaved towards Jesus as a typical secular business person. But Jesus was no more impressed by his assertive, on-message style, than by the rich young man (cf Mark 10:17-22). Instead he was looking for a soft heart willing to serve without looking for reward. This should remind us that whatever successful business style we have cultured, it requires transformation into servant-heartedness if it is to pass an appraisal by Jesus.
Prayer: Father God, Forgive me for thinking that the attitudes that make for worldly success, will build Your Kingdom or please You. Grant me a fresh internal revolution by the Holy Spirit, as my mind is renewed by Your Word - that I may be servant-hearted in the Name of Jesus and in the proclamation of the Gospel. For Christ's sake, Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
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