Christ Church Daily Devotion Nov 8 2023

The Daily Devotion for November 8, 2023, focuses on Mark 10:42-45. Jesus teaches that true greatness comes from serving others, not seeking power or authority. The disciples learn this lesson and even suffer martyrdom. Jesus' selfless sacrifice on the cross offers salvation and establishes an unbreakable covenant with humanity. The devotion encourages faithful service to God and others, prompting us to consider how we can serve others today. Welcome to Christ Church's Daily Devotion for November 8, 2023. Today we will be reading from Mark chapter 10, verses 42 through 45. Jesus called them together and said, You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 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. This week's devotionals are focusing on our commitment to Jesus Christ through our faithful participation in his church. Today's verses remind us that the way of Jesus Christ is to find ways to serve instead of being served. Chapters 8 through 16 in Mark are given the heading, The Son of Man Must Suffer, in many commentaries. From the beginning of Mark's gospel where Jesus is calling his disciples, Jesus is continually teaching his disciples that his kingdom, life, is very different from the world's ways. This is particularly true in the ways of how we treat others and our willingness to suffer along with others for Christ's sake. Jesus taught his followers the way of servanthood, saying that even he himself came to serve. These disciples do learn what it means to serve and to suffer for the sake of others. In fact, Acts chapter 12 verse 2 informs us that James was martyred in Jerusalem by Herod Agrippa, and John will suffer martyrdom as well. Dr. Femme Perkins, in her commentary on Mark in the New Interpreter's Bible, writes, Jesus, the Son of Man, gave his life not for his own glory, but as a ransom for many. Jesus, self-offering on the cross, offers salvation and a permanent ransom for all of humanity, establishing the covenant between God and humankind, which can never be broken. Today's personal worship option, we receive God's gift of salvation through Christ in order to live lives of faithful service unto God and others. Are there ways you can serve others today?