True Greatness: Servanthood Over Status in Christ
Summary
In our journey through the Gospel of Mark, we find ourselves in chapter 10, verses 32 to 41, where Jesus and His disciples are on the road to Jerusalem. Jesus leads the way with a resolute determination that amazes His followers. This determination is not just about reaching a destination; it is about fulfilling a divine mission. Jesus knows what awaits Him in Jerusalem—betrayal, suffering, and death—but He moves forward with unwavering resolve. This passage highlights the contrast between Jesus' understanding of His mission and the disciples' misunderstanding of His kingdom.
Jesus predicts His suffering and death for the third time, providing more specific details than before. He speaks of being betrayed to the chief priests and scribes, condemned to death, mocked, scourged, and ultimately killed, only to rise again on the third day. Despite this clear message, James and John approach Jesus with a request for positions of power in His glory. They seek status and authority, missing the essence of Jesus' mission.
Jesus responds by challenging their understanding of greatness. He asks if they can drink the cup He drinks or be baptized with His baptism, referring to the suffering and sacrifice He will endure. Jesus emphasizes that true greatness in His kingdom is not about power or status but about servanthood. He contrasts the worldly pursuit of power with the call to serve, reminding His disciples that even He, the Son of Man, came not to be served but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many.
This passage calls us to reflect on our own aspirations and desires. Are we seeking power and status, or are we willing to follow Jesus' example of servanthood and sacrifice? The path to true greatness in God's kingdom is through humility and service, not through the pursuit of power.
Key Takeaways:
- Jesus' determination to fulfill His mission, despite knowing the suffering that awaits Him, challenges us to consider our own commitment to God's calling in our lives. His resolve is a model of obedience and faithfulness. [06:32]
- The disciples' request for positions of power reveals a misunderstanding of Jesus' kingdom. True greatness in God's kingdom is not about status but about servanthood. We are called to serve others, following Jesus' example. [28:15]
- Jesus' prediction of His suffering and death is a reminder of the cost of discipleship. Following Jesus means being willing to share in His sufferings and to embrace the cross as the path to glory. [23:46]
- The concept of ransom in Jesus' mission highlights the depth of His sacrifice. He gave His life to pay the debt we could not pay, redeeming us from sin and death. This act of love calls us to live lives of gratitude and service. [32:18]
- Jesus' teaching on leadership contrasts with worldly views. In His kingdom, leadership is about serving others, not lording over them. This challenges us to examine our motives and to lead with humility and love. [27:22]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:31] - Journey to Jerusalem
- [01:10] - Jesus Predicts His Suffering
- [01:52] - The Request of James and John
- [02:32] - Jesus' Teaching on Servanthood
- [03:24] - The Word of God and Our Response
- [05:00] - Jesus' Determination
- [06:32] - The Third Prediction
- [08:08] - Prophecy and Fulfillment
- [10:24] - Betrayal and Deliverance
- [12:41] - The Theology of the Cross
- [14:18] - The Misunderstanding of Glory
- [16:37] - The Will to Power
- [18:11] - Leadership and Service
- [29:52] - The Purpose of Jesus' Coming
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Mark 10:32-41
---
Observation Questions:
1. What specific details does Jesus provide about His upcoming suffering and death in Jerusalem? How does this differ from His previous predictions? [07:30]
2. How do James and John respond to Jesus' prediction of His suffering, and what do they request from Him? [14:18]
3. What is Jesus' response to the request of James and John, and what metaphors does He use to explain His point? [21:06]
4. How does Jesus describe the difference between worldly leadership and leadership in His kingdom? [27:22]
---
Interpretation Questions:
1. Why might Jesus' resolute determination to go to Jerusalem have amazed His disciples, and what does this reveal about His understanding of His mission? [06:32]
2. How does the request of James and John reflect a misunderstanding of Jesus' mission and the nature of His kingdom? [15:48]
3. What does Jesus mean when He speaks of drinking the cup and being baptized with His baptism, and how does this relate to the concept of discipleship? [21:58]
4. In what ways does Jesus' teaching on servanthood challenge the disciples' (and our) understanding of greatness and leadership? [28:15]
---
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt a strong sense of determination to fulfill a task or mission. How can Jesus' example of determination inspire you in your current commitments? [06:32]
2. Consider your own aspirations and desires. Are there areas in your life where you might be seeking power or status rather than servanthood? How can you align your goals with Jesus' example of humility and service? [15:48]
3. Jesus speaks of sharing in His sufferings as part of discipleship. What does it mean for you personally to embrace the cross in your daily life? How can you prepare yourself for this aspect of following Jesus? [23:46]
4. Jesus contrasts worldly leadership with servanthood. In your current roles, whether at work, home, or church, how can you practice servant leadership? What specific actions can you take this week to serve others? [28:15]
5. Jesus came to serve and give His life as a ransom for many. How does this understanding of Jesus' mission impact your view of service and sacrifice? In what ways can you live out this calling in your community? [29:52]
6. Reflect on the concept of ransom in Jesus' mission. How does recognizing the depth of His sacrifice influence your daily gratitude and service to others? [32:18]
7. Jesus' teaching challenges us to examine our motives. What steps can you take to ensure that your leadership and influence are rooted in humility and love rather than power and authority? [27:22]
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus' Unwavering Resolve in the Face of Suffering
Jesus' journey to Jerusalem is marked by a profound determination to fulfill His divine mission, despite knowing the suffering that awaits Him. This determination is not merely about reaching a physical destination but about embracing the path laid out by God. Jesus' resolve amazes His followers, as He leads the way with a clear understanding of the betrayal, suffering, and death that He will endure. His commitment challenges us to reflect on our own dedication to God's calling in our lives. Are we willing to follow God's path with the same obedience and faithfulness, even when it leads to hardship? [06:32]
Isaiah 50:7 (ESV): "But the Lord God helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame."
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you feel God is calling you to step forward with greater resolve and faithfulness, despite the challenges you might face?
Day 2: Misunderstanding Greatness in God's Kingdom
The request of James and John for positions of power reveals a common misunderstanding of what it means to be great in God's kingdom. They seek status and authority, missing the essence of Jesus' mission, which is rooted in servanthood. Jesus challenges their understanding by asking if they can share in His suffering, emphasizing that true greatness is not about power but about serving others. This teaching invites us to examine our own aspirations and desires. Are we seeking worldly power, or are we willing to embrace the call to serve, following Jesus' example of humility and sacrifice? [28:15]
Matthew 20:26-28 (ESV): "It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Reflection: In what ways can you shift your focus from seeking personal recognition to serving others in your daily life?
Day 3: Embracing the Cost of Discipleship
Jesus' prediction of His suffering and death serves as a poignant reminder of the cost of discipleship. Following Jesus means being willing to share in His sufferings and to embrace the cross as the path to glory. This call to discipleship is not about comfort or ease but about a willingness to endure hardship for the sake of the Gospel. As we reflect on Jesus' words, we are challenged to consider what it truly means to follow Him and to count the cost of our commitment to His mission. [23:46]
2 Timothy 2:11-12 (ESV): "The saying is trustworthy, for: If we have died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us."
Reflection: What is one specific way you can embrace the cost of discipleship in your life today, even if it means facing discomfort or sacrifice?
Day 4: The Depth of Jesus' Sacrifice
The concept of ransom in Jesus' mission highlights the profound depth of His sacrifice. He gave His life to pay the debt we could not pay, redeeming us from sin and death. This act of love calls us to live lives of gratitude and service, recognizing the immense cost of our redemption. As we reflect on Jesus' sacrifice, we are invited to respond with hearts full of thankfulness and a renewed commitment to serve others in His name. [32:18]
1 Peter 1:18-19 (ESV): "Knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot."
Reflection: How can you express your gratitude for Jesus' sacrifice through acts of service and love towards others this week?
Day 5: Leadership Through Servanthood
Jesus' teaching on leadership contrasts sharply with worldly views. In His kingdom, leadership is about serving others, not lording over them. This challenges us to examine our motives and to lead with humility and love. True leadership, according to Jesus, is marked by a willingness to put others first and to serve selflessly. As we reflect on this teaching, we are encouraged to consider how we can embody this servant leadership in our own lives, whether in our families, workplaces, or communities. [27:22]
Mark 9:35 (ESV): "And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, 'If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.'"
Reflection: In what specific ways can you practice servant leadership in your current roles and responsibilities, prioritizing the needs of others above your own?
Quotes
Now they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was going before them; and they were amazed. And as they followed they were afraid. Then He took the twelve aside again and began to tell them the things that would happen to Him: “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death and deliver Him to the Gentiles; and they will mock Him, and scourge Him, and spit on Him, and kill Him. And the third day He will rise again.” [00:31:04]
But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” They said to Him, “We are able.” So Jesus said to them, “You will indeed drink the cup that I drink, and with the baptism I am baptized with you also will be baptized; but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared.” [00:112:16]
And when the ten heard it, they began to be greatly displeased with James and John. But Jesus called them to Himself and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” [00:152:96]
There are several things in this somewhat lengthy passage that I just read to you, and I feel a little guilty of trying to cover them all in one message because there are elements of this text that are worthy of several weeks of reflection, but be that as it may, the die is cast. We’ll cross the Rubicon and any other metaphors we need to confuse you. But let’s look now at the text in verse 32, “Now they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem,” and they spoke of going up to Jerusalem whether they were going south or north because of its elevation. [00:280:88]
But in any case we have this detail that Jesus was going before them, and they were amazed. Why would that amaze them? After all Jesus was a rabbi, and we’ve seen in the past in our study of Mark that it was the custom of the students of rabbis in that day to walk behind the rabbi as he would teach orally, and they would listen and remember his teachings through memorizations, and that was the way of the peripatetic teacher, who walked round about as he instructed his disciples. [00:319:60]
So why would they be amazed that Jesus went ahead of them? I think the reason for that detail that Mark gives us here, is that what amazed them was the resolute determination that they saw in Jesus to go to His destiny. His face was set like a flint, and He knew that He was called to give Himself over to His enemies there in Jerusalem, and He had been teaching His disciples that on more than one occasion. [00:360:96]
And now as they set out for that point of destiny, Jesus does not linger. He moves quickly, keeping pace ahead of His disciples, going to His death with a firm step. And they couldn’t get over it. Most of us, if we knew we were going to our death, would be in the survival shuffle, dragging our feet, reluctant with every step that we took to advance any further in such a journey, but not Jesus. He was prepared to obey the Father. [00:401:68]
And so He led them, and as they followed in their fear, He took them aside and began to tell them the things that would happen to Him. Now this almost sounds like just bare repetition because we’ve heard this before. This is the third time now in Mark’s gospel that Jesus tells His disciples what will await Him in Jerusalem. But the difference of this third time from the other two is that it’s much more specific. [00:443:60]
Before He spoke generally about being betrayed and being delivered unto death, but now He gets specific of what’s going to take… in fact, He’s so specific about what will occur in Jerusalem that the liberal critics who tear apart the pages in the New Testament, declare that this must obviously be what they call a “vaticinium ex eventu,” that is an account that was written after the fact. They are so allergic to anything supernatural, and so opposed to any idea of predictive prophecy that they assume a certain fraud in the writing of the gospel by Saint Mark. [00:475:60]
But never mind they are so antithetically opposed to the gospel that they say, “Well, the details here are so accurate that Jesus couldn’t possibly have known them.” Well, there are several ways He could have known them. In the first instance, if He knew that He was going to be taken to Jerusalem and betrayed into the hands of His enemies, He knew what the way of execution would be, being familiar with the Roman system. Not only that Jesus was not just a student of the Old Testament Scriptures, He was the actual subject of the Old Testament Scriptures. [00:505:44]
And He was aware intimately of Psalm 22, which He quoted on the cross and also aware of all of those passages in the later portion of the prophet Isaiah, particularly Isaiah 50 and Isaiah 53, which reads almost like an eyewitness account of the crucifixion. But remember that the Jews did not associate the suffering servant passages of Isaiah in the Old Testament with their hope of the coming Messiah, but Jesus knew that those texts applied to Him. [00:572:96]
So even without any direct revelation from the Father, He would know that He would be treated with scorn, that He would be scourged, that He would be spat upon. But perhaps most important in this text is His announcement on this occasion that He would be delivered into the hands of the Gentiles. Let’s look at that for just a second, where he says, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes.” [00:624:96]
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Jan 31, 2021. Do you have any questions about it?