Have you ever thought about the power of the word “instead”?

It’s not a neutral word.

It’s a word that can open the door to possibilities and options that had not been considered.

It’s a word that can also shut down ideas and passion.

It’s a before-and-after word.

And it’s a word that jumped off the page at me when I was reading Mark 10 the other day.

Towards the end of that chapter, James and John ask Jesus if they can sit on his right and left “in your glory” (Mark 10:37). The other apostles were angry about this, perceiving that the two brothers were trying to set themselves above the others. So, Jesus stepped in.

He told them that the rulers of the Gentiles “lord it over” and “exercise authority” over the people they lead (Mark 10:42). But Jesus has something different in mind for his followers; a difference that is signaled by the word…

Instead.

“Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:42-45).

“Instead” introduces a shift in thought.

“Instead” signifies a change in expectations.

“Instead” calls us to a different standard.

Instead of modeling our approach to leadership after the politicians, the “conquerors,” the moguls, or the titans of industry, we are told to model our approach after Jesus.

Instead of treating people as our “servants,” we ought to serve others first.

Instead of seeking what we can get from others, we should seek to add value to others.

Instead.

Jesus uses this powerful word to open our eyes to a better way.

There is a better way to live than trying to be first in everything.

There is a better way to gain influence than relying on power.

There is a better way to experience meaning in life than living for self.

Instead.

Jesus is also using that word to invite us into this better way.

Instead of trying to “earn” your salvation, trust in the saving work of Jesus.

Instead of living in sin’s bondage, let Jesus break those chains.

Instead of desperately seeking validation from others, find yourself in Jesus.

Instead.

In Jesus, you can have joy instead gloom.

In Jesus, you can have hope instead of despair.

In Jesus, you can have peace instead of anxiety.

Instead.

What a powerful word.