Wish Lists

 

If a genie granted 3 wishes, what would your first one be? Some may think: “My first wish would be an unlimited number of wishes!” But, as in Aladdin, Genie says, “Three wishes, to be exact. And ixnay on the wishing for more wishes. That's all. Three. Uno, dos, tres. No substitutions, exchanges or refunds.” This is what James and John thought when they said to Jesus, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” (Mark 10:35)

They were treating Jesus like an ice dispenser. Every time I press the button, I get as much ice as I wish. Well, Jesus challenged them, and they quickly said that they would pay the price for the honor they sought. Do you think they knew what “drinking the cup” meant? Do you think it contained ice?

It’s easy to go to Jesus with a wish list what favors we want granted, but with little desire to be one with Him. Now, what would you do if Jesus came to you and asked for a favor?

Jesus said, “The Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.” He is the Servant who stoops down to wash our feet; the One who looks at us with love and fills our hearts with what we really need; the Shepherd who asks us to take up our cross and follow him.

Because Jesus gives us everything we need, He asks us not to give him a list of favors, but everything we have. Give Jesus what you did last week, your talents and relationships with family and friends, and your needs and wants. Go to Jesus like He comes to you – as one who gives instead of one who receives. Then rest in his grace like you do in your mom’s arms, and like Jesus, you will be lifted up by our Father in heaven.

Heavenly Father, from whom all fatherhood in heaven and earth is named: Bless these and all children, and give their parents the spirit of wisdom and love, so that the homes in which they grow up may be to them an image of Your Kingdom, and the care of their parents a likeness of Your love. We pray in the Name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.