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

Tuesday, July 30, 2024

... 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

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

2 Related Resources by Heartlight

You Will Share My Cup!
Devo: What Jesus Did!
"But Jesus said to [James and John], "... Are you able to drink from the bitter cup of suffering I am about to drink? Are you able to be baptized with...."
Cruciformed #5: The Power of Small
Article by Phil Ware
Jesus’ disciples were clueless. Even worse, they were unwilling to accept that the role of exaltation for Jesus and his followers involved the cross of Golgotha! Phil Ware continues his series on the Cruciformed disciple, focusing this week on the power of the small.

Illustration

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

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Tuesday, July 30, 2024

Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
John 3:16
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Guarding the Truth' (2 Ti. 1:14)
"Through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us, carefully guard the precious truth that has been entrusted to you."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Max Lucado:
"You are valuable because you exist. Not because of what you do or what you have done, but simply because you are."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'The God of All the Earth' (Is. 54:5)
"For your Creator will be your husband; the Lord of Heaven's Armies is his name! He is your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, the God of all the earth."

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.

More What Jesus Did!