The Messiah’s Secret – Called by God.

Hebrews 5: 1-10. Mark 10: 35 – 45.
The children's spot in the service: we had fun quiz on 'Good Manners' based on Jesus' teaching of showing humility and respect for others.                                

James and John the sons of Zebedee the fisherman, they had firsthand experience of Jesus' generosity and kindness. Regardless of a person’s background or position in society Jesus would attend to their need.

Jesus was so approachable; James and John were not overawed by him to go and ask directly a request, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.”                                                                                                        

Jesus in his reply, he said, “What do you want me to do for you.” His words indicate that he would have responded positively. In his goodness, he wanted to please his disciples. They asked for either one of them to sit on his right and left in his glory.  

                                                               

Jesus always told the truth, James and John’s request could not be granted, as these positions were for those who God had appointed.

The writer of Hebrews reveals that Jesus had been appointed by God his Father to the position of Intercessor between mankind and God.

James and John were probably disappointed with Jesus’ answer. But when the rest of the disciples heard about their request they were not pleased.
We can understand when we read this account that our prayers are always answered as to what is best for us or for those for whom we have prayed.                                                                                                                                                                                                             

Jesus had been appointed by God to leave his heavenly home and come to the earth, to be born into this world as one of us.

Jesus came from a higher authority, King of all creation not to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.                                                                                  

Jesus' teaching is relevant for us today.

Jesus had been invited on the Sabbath day to dine at the house of a ruler who belonged to the Pharisees, others had been invited too. 

Jesus had noticed on their arrival they chose to sit in the places of honour.
The most prominent men in Jewish society were the Sadducees, Pharisees, Lawyers and scribes, the members of the Sanhedrin, Rabbis, followed by the business people, the man with the dropsy probably the lowest person present.                                                                                            

                                                                  

The sketch was taken from the 60’S TV show ‘That was the week that was’ they made a joke out of the failed British Class system; the titled aristocracy, the middle class business man and the skilled trade’s man. The upper class looking down on the middle class and in turn he looked down on the lower class who 'knew his place.' However, the upper class was revealed as having 'innate breeding' but having no money. The middle class was still regarded as being common and the lower class man 'knew his place.' The pretense of the upper class of having breeding and no money was the leveling factor.
This class system has been replaced with the super rich, the rich and the less well off. The values of this system are reflected by some of our present politicians. The Tory Chief Whip recently has been brought to account over his comments to a Downing Street Policeman. The Chief Whip humbly gave an apology to all those involved. He has since resigned his office.                                                                                                               

The Lord calls us to be humble in respect of others.

This was reflected in Jesus’ parable to those dining at the Ruler’s house. “When you are invited by anyone to a marriage feast, do not sit down in a place of honour, just in case a more eminent man than you be invited by him; and he who invited you both will come and say to you, ‘Give your place to this man,’ and then you will begin with shame to take the lowest place. But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when your host comes he may say to you, ‘Friend, go up higher’; then you will be honoured in the presence of all who sit at table with you. For every one who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." Luke 12: 1-11                                                                                                                               

The Lord calls us to be humble before others, and so that he can exalt us, he first calls us to die to self interest.

In our reading Jesus said to James and John “Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptised with the baptism which I am baptised?” They said to him, “We are able”. Jesus was referring to the cup of suffering and the baptism of dying for the sake of the gospel?"

Every Christian following Jesus will be asked by the Lord the same question. For all, it does mean dying to self interests and for some it may mean persecution and death.

Jesus taught by example.

 In the Garden of Gethsemane Jesus was under great spiritual pressure to save himself from going to the cross. The writer of Hebrews refers to this, “”During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.” Hebrews 5: 7.

Luke records also Jesus' words, “Father if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." Luke 22: 42. 

By Jesus dying to the desire to preserve his own life, Jesus gave over his life to God.

In our relationship with God dying to our self interest; it is like when two people get married each loses their independence.  Marriage is made in making an agreement to be joined together, working together in respect of each other and when arguments surface, love gives in to love.  In the kingdom of God there is no marriage between believers and there are no children born between believers. We are the children of God . Luke 20: 27-36.                         
                

No favouritism with God.

Jesus emphasised his point of seeking the lowest place by indicating there is no favouritism with God, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. A servant works for others, a slave is owned by others. It is a tremendous privilege to be owned by God in his service.

 If you feel that God is calling you to serve him in some way, ask the Lord for confirmation.

                                                                                             

“I recently heard a well known clergyman’s testimony of how the Lord called him to becoming a Vicar. At the age of 7 or 8 he was asked what he wanted to be when he grew up and he said a ‘Vicar.’ From that time he seemed to be on a conveyor belt, run by other people’s expectations right through school and on to University, where he read theology. On one occasion a fellow student asked him why he did not go to worship. His response was that he did not go to worship, on the grounds that he would be doing it for the rest of his life.                               

He went to Theological College but he was not sure if it was in fact a waste of time, he had doubts about becoming a Vicar. After making these comments to a friend, he attended ‘Compline’ an evening service and it was during the singing of John Wesley’s hymn “O thou who cameth from above . .  Verse 3 Jesus confess my hearts’ desire,” from that moment God spoke through it.

He now knew, that he was doing the right thing in becoming a Vicar. Jesus had called him to this ministry. He went on to say, that he never thought he would ultimately become a Bishop.” 

Through love and obedience for his Lord, Jesus lifted him up from a lower place to a higher position in his service.  I would encourage anyone who is being called by God to respond. It brings an inner peace of fulfilment.
I will, to do your will, my Lord and my God.