Jesus Confronts Conflict Immediately

Just cry out to God right now, He desires to hear from you

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Mark 10:35-45 (NKJV) part 3


Jesus & Conflict
Verses emphasized :41-45

⁴¹ And when the ten heard it, they began to be greatly displeased with James and John. ⁴² But Jesus called them to Himself and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. ⁴³ Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. ⁴⁴ And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. ⁴⁵ For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

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We are quick to become displeased by one another. Our expectations of one another are usually unattainable, because we desire people to be what WE want them to be, instead of who they are.  The above verses reads that the 10 disciples were displeased by John and James because of their request.  But do we really know why they were displeased?  For some, it could have been because they were mad they didn't think of it first; for others, it may have been a "how dare you even ask that" type of deal.  Whatever the reason for indignation, Jesus acknowledged the discord immediately and called all of His disciples to Himself, to teach them another area of changing their perspective.  Jesus basically told them again, "Look, those who follow me are different, are supposed to be different and be focused on serving instead of the getting." (If Jesus spoke like me that's how it would have come out LOL)

Are you sitting mad because someone was promoted over you (in any area of life)?  Maybe the customer behind you was helped before you, because they asked the new clerk a question at the right time.  It could also be work related; does it seem like people are moving up and you are consistently looked over.  Well, it's time to change your perspective.  Instead of looking for ways to feed the hurt (because I'm not denying feelings won't be hurt - but instead of feeding them); how can you focus your eyes on Jesus and do what He is calling you to do.  John and James' request, was a self-inspired request, it was about them; they were asking for a position that wasn't prepared for them.  This is where the discord starts; when our motives are totally about ourselves, there is no room for God.  We won't ever discover what He has prepared for us, if we're always going after what He has prepared for someone else... and we end up hating them for it.  How silly, right?  But it happens, I've been a victim of it several times. 

Let our motives be about and for Him, in all that we do and experience.  Let's follow Jesus' example and confront conflict immediately.  Bring it to Jesus and handle it HIS way, not our own way.  Let no bitter root become planted in you (Hebrews 12:15).  Issues are solved gracefully when we trust in Him.

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Daily Prayer:  Mighty God, I want to flourish in Your house like King David; trusting in Your unfailing love and praising your name forever.  LORD, help me acknowledge areas of unforgiveness head on, and by Your Spirit address it correctly and rid myself of that bitterness completely.  For my hope is in Your Name, for your Name is good!  In Jesus' Name.  Amen (Psalm 52).