"First Class Faith" - Mark 10:35-45 - October 22, 2000

The last time my wife and I flew on an airplane we had a high row number which meant we would be one of the first to board the plane. We were waiting for the attendant to call out the row numbers when he said, "All those who are in first class may board at this time." Several men in suits got in line. A few minutes passed and it was our turn. When we passed through the first class section we noticed that they were already seated and had a drink in their hands.

"Sure would be nice to be able to travel first class," my wife commented. I agreed, especially since they had all that room and comfort. But, our tickets were in the coach section and we proceeded to our seats in the back. This particular trip we were in the last row which meant we would be the very last ones to receive our token soft drink and peanuts. About the time the stewardess delivered our drinks we were on our descent and it was time to put the tray tables up in front of us.

It is human nature to want the best. If you don’t think so just watch people at a sporting event, rushing to get the best parking spot. Last Sunday morning I was practically run off the road as a group of cars were desperately trying to get to their favorite restaurant first. Apparently one of the large churches in town had just let out. The highway had become a race for the finish line.

The disciples wanted the best seat in the house. They were Jesus’ best students and closest followers. This "inner circle" phenomenon wasn’t complete without privilege and status. Why should all those others get in ahead of them since they had remained so close and so loyal? They wanted first class seats and didn’t hesitate to ask Jesus for a favor.

But Jesus doesn’t promise them any special favors. "You have no idea what you are asking?" "If you want to be great then you must be willing to serve." There is no response from James and John and until now they have really not understood the magnitude of Jesus’ teachings. My guess is they were speechless. Just a short time ago they were indignant that Jesus would be spending time with children. Following this episode we next observe them yielding to the blind beggar who wanted an audience with Jesus.

Are they finally getting it? Do we?

How clear is it to us that the way to greatness as people of faith is a life of service to others? I think we know in our hearts it is the path to follow but that doesn’t make it easy. Who wants to be a slave to all? Who wants always to sit in the last seat?

Who among us doesn’t want security, to know that our future is protected with a guaranteed reservation? The reality is there are no guarantees. Have you ever made hotel reservations and arrived at your destination only to discover your room is not available?

My daughter and her husband made reservations at a condominium in Myrtle Beach one summer. When they arrived they were told that their condo was not available. Squirrels had found their way into the walls and got trapped. They eventually died and the condo had a terrible odor. To compensate for their misfortune they were given a place several blocks further away from the beach. Needless to say, my daughter was not very happy.

But, when they finally agreed to accept the alternative they got a pleasant surprise. It was newer, bigger and free of neighbors who liked to party late into the night. Their first choice had been replaced with an alternative which turned out to be better accommodations. The owner of the management company had "served" them well by assigning them to a place that was actually more expensive but at the same price.

In other words, what we think is the best is not always the best for us. As it turned out, the alternative was much more suited for my daughter’s family. It was quieter, safer and roomier.

But, I believe there is more going on here than just the fact that James and John wanted the best seats in the house. I believe they wanted guaranteed accessibility to Jesus. If they could be right next to him, they would be safe, and as close as they could get to the Lord they loved.

There have been many occasions when folks tell me they don’t feel very spiritual. They want that closeness to Jesus that others seem to experience. Since that is missing they feel as though they are spiritually inadequate or that their faith is weak. For them, Jesus does not seem accessible.

People want a Jesus they can "feel" or "experience." This is why so many want to attend churches where their emotional needs are met. They want to experience a cozy, touchy-feely, type of worship that sends them away feeling good or on some kind of spiritual high. Jesus, however reminds us that accessibility to him is a not the issue. The way to be near Jesus is "not to be served, but to serve."

Recently I contacted a colleague who is also an adjunct professor at Edison Community College. I needed some help with a course that I am teaching for the first time. He responded immediately and agreed to meet with me to share ideas and resources for the course. He was more than willing to give me all his notes and lessons plans which would make my job much easier. When I met with him I was totally uplifted by his enthusiasm and commitment to teaching. You could sense his love to teach and his love for his students.

Notice that in this chapter the disciples address Jesus as "Teacher." The implication for me is that we become close to Jesus when we are in a teacher/student situation. Whenever we spend quality time by giving our knowledge, sharing our talents and leading another human being we are living out that call of serving rather than being served. In other words, Jesus becomes real to us every time we reach out to another human being, focusing on their lives instead of our own.

If you want to secure tickets to an Ohio State Football game you have to enter a lottery and hope that your name is chosen. But if you are selected you have no choice of where you get to sit. A week ago my daughter and I had the good fortune to sit in the new section in the horseshoe in Columbus. It was a beautiful day and we had a good view. About twenty minutes into the game a tremendous sound of music about blasted out of our seats. We were seated about thirty feet in front of the new electronic video screen and a sound system that be heard for miles. It was fun to be there, but my daughter and I had to shout to one another to be heard.

To reach Jesus we don’t have to enter a lottery. Jesus is accessible to all of us and we always have a seat. He is right there, in the next seat whenever we serve. He is close and very real when we share ourselves with others. It is not first class seats that God wants us to have but rather a first class faith, a life that teaches, helps, gives and loves.

Dr. Keith Wagner, St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Sidney, Ohio