Mark 10.  The disciples learn a valuable lesson about the kingdom of God in this chapter: it’s not fair. 

1. It’s not fair that God intends marriage to last a lifetime. What if you find that you are incompatible? (1-12).
2. It’s not fair to waste the master’s time on children and beggars. There are important things for him to do (13-16; 46-52).
3. It’s not fair that so many who are first in God’s kingdom have so little to show for it (17-31).
4. It’s not fair that the Son of Man must suffer and be killed in Jerusalem (32-34).
5. It’s not fair that leaders in the kingdom must be slave to other people’s needs (35-45).

Yes, the kingdom of God is not fair.  Mercy is not fair.  Grace is not fair.  If we really got justice, we would all be condemned to destruction in hell.  Being a disciple means getting over yourself and what you think you deserve.

LORD,  may we give ourselves to others, like you did when you came not to be served, but to serve – and give your life as our ransom.