20-Oct-24 (Mark 10:35-45)

We often think of Peter as the disciple who spoke his thoughts before really thinking about them, but in today's gospel story, it's the "sons of Zebedee", James and John who say the dumb thing. They wanted Jesus to put them at his right and left hand when he comes in glory. They wanted to be looked up to, to be the very important people.
Jesus tells them that the truly important people are the ones who serve others; that to be a servant is the highest calling for a disciple... and then he went and showed them exactly what he meant be giving himself to serve them and help them.
As we come to the table, let us remember the one who gave up so much to show us God's love for us. Let us commit ourselves to being servants in the way of Jesus.
Let us pray.

Prayer:

God, who showed us how to live as servants by giving freely of all you have for us. As we take this bread and this cup, symbols of our servant-lord, who give even his life for us, fill us with your Spirit that we may truly become servants too. Let us leave this table, committed to giving of ourselves, talents, gifts, and lives to serve others.
In the name of Jesus, our Christ, AMEN