The Secret To Greatness Series

THE SECRET TO GREATNESS

Mark 10.32-45

Lenten Message April 6, 2014 Chester’s FBC, Chester, IL

A We’ve been through the desert temptation, witnessed the calling of Matthew, the return of the Rabbi. . .

1 This message takes us to about 14 days from the crucifixion.

a He’s making His way to Jerusalem to celebrate Passover, but more importantly to fulfill Passover.

b Mark 10:32-45 (NASB) 32 They were on the road going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking on ahead of them; and they were amazed, and those who followed were fearful. And again He took the twelve aside and began to tell them what was going to happen to Him, 33 saying, "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death and will hand Him over to the Gentiles. 34 "They will mock Him and spit on Him, and scourge Him and kill Him, and three days later He will rise again." 35 James and John, the two sons of Zebedee, came up to Jesus, saying, "Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask of You." 36 And He said to them, "What do you want Me to do for you?" 37 They said to Him, "Grant that we may sit, one on Your right and one on Your left, in Your glory." 38 But Jesus said to them, "You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?" 39 They said to Him, "We are able." And Jesus said to them, "The cup that I drink you shall drink; and you shall be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized. 40 "But to sit on My right or on My left, this is not Mine to give; but it is for those for whom it has been prepared." 41 Hearing this, the ten began to feel indignant with James and John. 42 Calling them to Himself, Jesus said to them, "You know that those who are recognized as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them; and their great men exercise authority over them. 43 "But it is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant; 44 and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all. 45 "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."

2 ETS: Jesus, the greatest in the history of ever, showed His disciples how to advance in His Kingdom.

a ESS: True greatness follows believers who truly follow after Jesus.

b OBJ.: I hope you’ll dedicate yourself to serving Jesus by serving others in humility.

B Today we’ll look two ways we can serve Jesus by humbly following two pieces of direction.

1 Following Jesus into the Storm

2 Following Jesus’ model of servitude.

3 Pray.

I Follow Jesus into the storm (vv. 32-35, 39)

Mark 10:32-35; 39 (NASB) 32 They were on the road going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking on ahead of them; and they were amazed, and those who followed were fearful. And again He took the twelve aside and began to tell them what was going to happen to Him, 33 saying, "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death and will hand Him over to the Gentiles. 34 "They will mock Him and spit on Him, and scourge Him and kill Him, and three days later He will rise again." 35 James and John, the two sons of Zebedee, came up to Jesus, saying, "Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask of You."39 They said to Him, "We are able." And Jesus said to them, "The cup that I drink you shall drink; and you shall be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized.

A Jesus had told His disciples what the storm forecast was for Him on previous occasions.

Mark 8:21 (NASB) 21 And He was saying to them, "Do you not yet understand?"

Mark 9:9 (NASB) 9 As they were coming down from the mountain, He gave them orders not to relate to anyone what they had seen, until the Son of Man rose from the dead.

Mark 9:31 (NASB) 31 For He was teaching His disciples and telling them, "The Son of Man is to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill Him; and when He has been killed, He will rise three days later."