Mark 10:41

"And when the ten heard it, they began to be greatly displeased with James and John."

'How many times, Lord, how many times have I stood smug and proud at the audacity of another's sin, only to be guilty of committing the very same one(s), and often to an even greater degree and fuller extent? How easy it is to judge from afar and yet at the same time forgetfully stand cuffed in the courtroom, already given the due sentence for my crimes. Shame on me!

But Jesus' shame is not on me. He so lovingly and tenderly admonished James and John, and then also admonished the other ten. Their request was made out of ignorance and pride, and Jesus' response was made out of knowledge and humility. In fact, Jesus didn't just tell them where they were misguided, but He showed them with His life. God incarnate, Jesus, who could have demanded anything He desired, followed the will of His Father and humbled Himself to be the servant of all. (cf. Mark 10:45)

Humility; what an admirable trait, and what a difficult thing to grasp. Had this been pervasive in James and John, they would have never ventured down the path they did with Christ by asking to sit on the right and the left with Him on high. And had I possessed the same trait I would have never judged as I have and had. The same humility that led Jesus to the cross is the same humility I can find in Him who pushes me off the throne of my soul and places Jesus where He rightfully and always belonged.

My Lord, when I rise up, knock me down. When I puff up, burst my overblown self. When I judge others, let Your righteous judgment of me poke the log through my eye so it pierces through the other side, and make it hurt. What a loving thing that would be; help me to see it that way.'