When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John. 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.”

When I was in high school, I got to play varsity football. My friend and workout partner also played football with me and he was clearly the strongest guy in the league. He was big and built like the body-builders in our club. As a defender, he loved to pummel the guy on the other side of the line. He also really liked professional wrestling. A few times he forgot about the ball carrier and just focused on giving it to the guy lining up against him. The ball went right by him and he was still working on the guy across from him. One time, he went back to sack the quarterback and picked him up and pile-drove him into the ground. He got a flag for that. He was so good, we overlooked these momentary lapses, and he was fun to play with.

We also hear of people scoring goals in the wrong goal (for the other team), or shooting baskets in the wrong hoop. To win in these games you have to be focused on the objective for each play and you have to know which direction you are supposed to head in.

Our purpose in life really matters too. James and John had a momentary lapse here on what really matters in life and in following Jesus. They lost sight of how to score spiritually — serving others, bringing peace and salvation to their souls, building their faith, and honoring God. Instead, they were focused on their own glory. Much like my friend who was so strong and wanted to at times demonstrate this strength on the field, so too James and John were focused on their skills and abilities instead of God’s plans and purposes.

They were rebuked not only by Jesus, but by the other ten disciples as well. And eventually they were forgiven, once they repented of these selfish ways. They became the leaders Jesus knew they could be.

How do I stay focused on my purposes in the Lord, in a world that tries to drive me to self-focus? How do I take joy in the things of God over the things the world cheers me on to accomplish?

Lord, thank you for this timely reminder that I must place you and others first … and serve. Then I will be lifted up in your kingdom in due time. Train my mind and condition my heart to serve with joy, love, grace and truth!