What Jesus Did! 'Only God the Father Decides' — Mark 10:39-40

Tuesday, July 30, 2024

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... Then Jesus told [James and John], "You will indeed drink from my bitter cup and be baptized with my baptism of suffering. But I have no right to say who will sit on my right or my left. God has prepared those places for the ones he has chosen."
— Mark 10:39-40 NLT

Key Thought

God the Father holds some things in his hands alone. The Son, in his earthly ministry, did not decide the eternal importance or the heavenly place of his followers before their lives were finished. Only God the Father makes those decisions. The point is that we are not to live for the place of honor, but for the person of honor — Jesus, the Son of God.

Today's Prayer

God, calm my restless and selfish spirit of striving. To be loved, honored, and welcomed by you and to know that you will dry every tear from my eyes and give me a home with you are far more than I can rightfully ask. Since your grace is more than sufficient for me, calm me, O Lord, and help me trust that your place for me will be far more glorious than I have a right to expect. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Matthew 25:31-40
  • Mark 13:32
  • Hebrews 6:10

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Illustration

Illustration of Mark 10:39-40 NLT — "You will indeed drink from my bitter cup and be baptized with my baptism of suffering."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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