Sibling Rivalry in the Family of God

A couple days ago, we talked about the story of the Prodigal Son. In that story, even the good son had to be admonished -- not because he had done as the younger son and squandered his inheritance on sinful living, but because of his jealousy over his father's acceptance and joy at the boy's return.

When I was growing up, my brother and I fought all the time -- and often physically. Even as I grew up, I found myself trying to distance myself, in many ways. While at home, I was the "good" son, with decent grades, a great relationship with my parents, and liked by my teachers, my charismatic brother was popular and well-known. He was the more athletic of the two of us, as well. I think, looking back, we were jealous of each other. We have a great relationship now, my brother and I -- but we both needed to grow up, and to learn to appreciate one another.

Jesus, in his parable, anticipated similar "sibling rivalry" within the family of God, too. How many times have you looked at your brothers or sisters in Christ and thought, "why does HE have that gift," or "why is SHE in charge of that ministry?" Maybe somebody is getting recognition you feel you deserve, too!

The truth is, we are a competitive people. It is part of our human nature -- by which we really mean it's a part of our sin natures. But there are two lessons to be learned from Jesus' words to James and John in Mark 10.

³⁵ Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do for us whatever we ask.”
³⁶ “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked.
³⁷ They replied, “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.”
³⁸ “You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said. “Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?”
³⁹ “We can,” they answered.
Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with, ⁴⁰ but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared.”
⁴¹ When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John. ⁴² 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. ⁴³ Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, ⁴⁴ and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. ⁴⁵ 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.” (vs. 35-45)

So what do we learn? First, we learn our rewards aren't generally to be found here on earth, but in the Kingdom of God. Second, and most importantly, we learn that greatness lies in service to one another. Indeed, service is the key to many a relationship -- including those within the family of God. And in a life of service, there is no room for rivalry.