Love That Gave Itself First

My dear son,

You are not a child whose life must be spent trying to impress someone. Jesus did not gather people so they could serve him. He gave his own life so that many others might live. His love reached you first.

I want you to enjoy that love fully. Serving is not a race to establish your worth. I hope you will discover how precious it is to offer someone your presence, rather than use your strength to push them down.

When help is offered to you, receive it gratefully. You do not have to be the giver every time to be precious to me. Rest comfortably tonight as my beloved child within the love of Jesus, who gave himself for you.

With all my love,
Your Father

Mark 10:42–45

WEB

42Jesus summoned them and said to them, “You know that they who are recognized as rulers over the nations lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them.
43But it shall not be so among you, but whoever wants to become great among you shall be your servant.
44Whoever of you wants to become first among you shall be bondservant of all.
45For the Son of Man also came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

A short reflection

Jesus teaches the disciples to serve rather than exercise power over others. He says the Son of Man came to serve and give his life as a ransom for many.

World English Bible (WEB) · Public DomainRead the chapter