Have you noticed in scripture how Jesus asked people who asked for his help at times, What do you want me to do for you? For a person clearly to define what they want is essential; it enables them to explore and discover the genuine desire within themselves. What is it inside us that drives our ambition to do something? If you was to wash your car, clean your house, start a new hobby, most of those would require genuine ambition to at least start the task, right? Then from there, you can be motivated to do other tasks, depending on what it is.
In reading today's scripture in the Gospel of Mark Chapter 10, we find a very interesting event about ambition, somewhat of a comedy. It begins with a claimed statement involving two of Jesus disciples, James and John. Both men have been with Jesus for a while, and even during their journeys with Him, they begged the question, “James and John, the two sons of Zebedee, came up to Jesus, saying to Him, Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask of You. And He said to them, What do you want Me to do for you? They said to Him, Grant that we may sit, one on Your right and one on Your left, in Your glory. You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or
to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized? They said to Him, We are able. And Jesus said to them, The cup that I drink you shall drink; and you shall be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized. But to sit on My right or on My left is not Mine to give; but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.”
In reading this far in scripture, what comes to mind about James and John? Too ambitious, kind of snooty, starting to see power in their arsenal, etc. What ever the real reason, its clear they wanted exactly what Jesus had, however not really realizing their place in Gods world, and not even the cost. But the real problem there was they was clearly thinking on a humanistic level, not Spiritual as Jesus so well taught and demonstrated. So lets read on.
Hearing this, the other ten began to feel indignant with James and John. Calling them to Himself, Jesus *said to them, “You know that those who are recognized as rulers of the Gentiles domineer over them; and their people in high position exercise authority over them. But it is not this way among you; rather, whoever wants to become prominent among you shall be your servant; and whoever wants to be first among you shall 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.”
There is a lot of material here, in addition, we see Christ is portraiting his position as a living sacrifice for each of us, but what I’m wanting to focus on is Jesus response. You know that those who are recognized as rulers of the Gentiles domineer over them; and their people in high position exercise authority over them. But it is not this way among you.
How many of you know someone in your journeys, an individual who wants to be the boss, acts like the boss but isn’t the boss? They may even do things to make their names known to the boss, all the while trying to make a name for themselves. How about instinctively taking charge, giving orders, yet not demonstrating true humility as a servant?
James and John in this scene I don’t think is really trying to intentionally hurt others. Still, as mentioned, the 10 other disciples got angry about them for not only asking such a question, but suggesting such a statement. It appears they come from a background where you have clout, reverence from others, and prestige when in a position of power and authority.
Let me also mention a Biblical anomaly about this story. In the Gospel of Matthew Chapter 20, this same story is presented in such a way where James and Johns mother actually asked Jesus this question, and not the two disciples themselves. In the Gospel of Luke, the same even was presented in a more positive view point. It is only in Mark that it quotes the request from the two disciples. I find this very interesting! Its possible Luke didn’t want to embarrass the two disciples, Matthew just about the same but to have their mother come on their behalf, but Mark, really spotlighted the two disciples didn’t he? Regardless of which is true, the question remains the same. Are we asking God what we genuinely need and want, or is there something blocking our view? What is our true ambitions?
Macbeth is a play created by William Shakespeare that shines a striking example of an ambitious man desiring and then using any means to acquire some power beyond his possession. The tragedy tells us that this faithful soldier, fresh from the wars in Norway, is met by spirits who greet him as Thane of Glamis, Thane of Cowdor, and finally as the future King.
"All hail, Macbeth, thou shalt be king hereafter," exclaim the misleading spirits. Scarcely are they gone, when messengers inform Macbeth that he has been raised to the rank of Thane of Cowdor. What could keep him from fulfilling the third prophecy--that of being King?
Like a guardian angel, his companion in arms warns him: "And oftentimes, to win us to our harm, the instruments of darkness tell us truths, win us with honest trifles, to betray us in deepest consequence."
Macbeth heeds not the warning. Treason and murder enter his heart. Crime and sin follow. All because he gave in to false ambition.
What drives your ambition today? What brings us to God? Is it prestigue, power, to shine among men? What is your focus on?
You see, some people in this life want to receive the benefits as being the president of the United States, but not do the other work required of the job. Some want to be a doctor, with all the benefits as well, but not having to perform very hard tasks and making decisions involving peoples lives and well being, long hours and such. In addition, some want to be seen in public, as Jesus describes clearly to be seen of men when they pray, making all kinds of specticles; when in fact Christ tells us to pray in secret and our Heavenly father will reward you openly. You see, ambition claims our very being in ways we may forget. We get use to doing things a certain way for years, but when we truly investigate it for ourselves, are we really having the right ambition for Gods work?
In addition to ambition, Jesus made a point in his ministry to show and tell all who follows, that to follow him, requires us to die to self. Our ambition not to be on top, but surrender all things and to serve. Our selfish desires are to be put to death, and our lives requires each one of us to take up our cross along the way. What does that mean?
Christiana Tsai was a Christian woman who developed an eye disease that made it impossible for her to see light directly and was virtually blind. She had to wear very dark glasses. Yet, she did not withdraw into her own room and say how tough she has it. No, she used her limitation to share with all who came to visit her that she is a disciple of Jesus Christ. She wrote about her life. She wrote about Christ helping her in her weakness and limitation and she became a witness for Christ. That was her cross. It was not just being blind – people can become blind but not do something for Christ with it. People can should have ambition to strive forward, but not actually do it for Christ. Christiana Tsai used her blindness as her way to show she is a disciple of Christ. That was her cross which she bore every day to follow Jesus Christ.
Inclosing friends, what drives you to Christ? What is your ambition to not just be seen, but serve? Just as James and John, two brothers wanting to gain all of Gods glory, thought to themselves to be set next to Christ, their ambition was only superficial wasn’t it? Now, there is known conditions of low self esteem, low self worth and other factors that play a role in how our ambition is driven. But please be reminded friends, Just as you are right now, no matter how fat you may feel, or how ugly you think you are, or how worthless you may seem to be, I said this before, “Trust in what you KNOW to be true, over what you FEEL to be true!” God has a plan for each one of us, he loves us unconditionally! We can’t screw up enough to lose his love. But, just as Christ tells us our ambition should come to serve, not be served! Theres nothing wrong with trying to making it to the top in life, but remember, when God has the best plan for our lives, we need to trust in him, put our faith in him, and NOT in our own false ambitions. If you have difficulty in trying to find the correct desires, come to Christ, ask him to help you. He will come to your aid. He will answer you. Does not the Psalms tell us, Delight yourself in the Lord; And He will give you the desires of your heart. Trust in him, lean on him, give him your full attention, and you will never fail, Amen.