Places of Honor
Calling them to Himself, Jesus said to them, “You know that those who are recognized as rulers of the Gentiles Lord it over them; and their great men exercise authority over them. But it is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant; and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”~Mark 10:42-45 NASB1995
The passage above comes from Jesus’ response to His disciples, who asked to be seated in places of honor beside Him in His coming kingdom.
The Request for Honor
As I pondered the scenario, it felt as if it could have been depicted in a modern-day collection of mainstream influencers who came into the spotlight after a powerful person invited them into their circle. We would know them well after seeing them regularly with a famous person who was doing incredible things for people in various communities. Along the way, they realized the importance and wanted to occupy the place of honor beside the head of the circle. The social media buzz, podcast views, and power of notoriety continued to blur their hearts.
Yet, Jesus regularly spoke with humility and acted counterculturally, even to the mainstream religious establishment. His interest was not in position, though He of all was worthy, but in servanthood. His response to the disciples then (as much as it would be now) was that we must focus on serving in humility at the lowest position with no sense of fame or notoriety.
Jesus’ example continually showed them to turn to God in places of quietness and follow whatever His Spirit directed. Jesus’ example remains the same for us. He calls us to come away and be with Him in quietness and humility. Further, He tells us we will find rest for our souls, peace that passes all understanding to guard and lead our hearts and minds, and wisdom freely given as we ask for it.
The Need for Humility
Selfies, influencers, social media, and endless screen access fill our world. It is little wonder that it has become self-obsessed. Even our sympathy for others seems to be contingent and socially publicized, based on the latest news headlines, rather than a humble awareness of our neighbors’ needs or heartaches.
Humility is a stranger to many. Our culture is described as the most self-absorbed, yet simultaneously connected and disconnected, society that has ever existed. This situation easily impacts Christians without us even realizing it.
God calls us to come away and be with Him in quietness. He says we must take up our cross and follow Him. That is the furthest thing from what our culture gravitates toward and promotes. Death to self-promotion and living in quiet servanthood is not popular.
The apostles gathered together with Jesus; and they reported to Him all that they had done and taught. And He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while.” (For there were many people coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.) They went away in the boat to a secluded place by themselves.~Mark 6:30-32 NASB 1995
Let’s shut off the news, the apps, and the constant stream of information. Additionally, let’s get quiet and listen for how we can love God, love each other, serve, and act with humility in the spirit of Christ.
Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.~Philippians 2:3-8 NASB 1995
Think of ways to reorient your perspective on places of honor.
God, You have faithfully given us an example in Your life here on earth, demonstrating authentic leadership that even under tremendous social pressure, never faltered in absolute humility and servanthood. I ask for Your wisdom and kindness to fill my heart, so that I may be more like You. Please help me shut out all the noise of this world and listen to You. Show me how I can serve those around me. Thank You for showing me firsthand how to love. Help me be more like You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Genre: Non-fiction
Copyright 2025: Places of Honor: Kristi LaReee: All Rights Reserved
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