Not "To Be Served” Walking With Jesus

Sermon Title: "Not to Be Served" Scripture: Mark 10:35-45 Date: October 20, 2024

The Highest Places of Honor

35 James and John, Zebedee’s sons, came up to him. “Teacher, we have something we want you to do for us.”

36 “What is it? I’ll see what I can do.”

37 “Arrange it,” they said, “so that we will be awarded the highest places of honor in your glory—one of us at your right, the other at your left.”

38 Jesus said, “You have no idea what you’re asking. Are you capable of drinking the cup I drink, of being baptized in the baptism I’m about to be plunged into?”

39-40 “Sure,” they said. “Why not?”

Jesus said, “Come to think of it, you will drink the cup I drink, and be baptized in my baptism. But as to awarding places of honor, that’s not my business. There are other arrangements for that.”

41-45 When the other ten heard of this conversation, they lost their tempers with James and John. Jesus got them together to settle things down. “You’ve observed how godless rulers throw their weight around,” he said, “and when people get a little power how quickly it goes to their heads. It’s not going to be that way with you. Whoever wants to be great must become a servant. Whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave. That is what the Son of Man has done: He came to serve, not to be served—and then to give away his life in exchange for many who are held hostage.”

Sermon Title: "Not to Be Served"

Scripture: Mark 10:35-45

Date: October 20, 2024

Let me hear you say, "Not to be served!" Now, we’re going to walk through this Word today like we’re walking with Jesus Himself. Somebody say, "Walking with Jesus!"

In our text today, we find James and John, the sons of Zebedee, stepping up with a request. They want the highest seats of honor in Jesus' coming glory—one at His right, the other at His left. It’s bold, isn’t it? But it’s human. They’re asking for power, for prestige, for recognition.

But Jesus does what Jesus does—He flips the script. He says, "You don’t know what you’re asking. Are you able to drink the cup I’m about to drink?" That’s the cup of suffering, y’all. That’s the cup of sacrifice. And then Jesus lays down a principle that ought to shake every one of us to our core:

"Whoever wants to be great among you must be your servant.

Whoever wants to be first must be slave of all."

As we approach the First day in Early voting here in South Carolina on October 21, it’s important for us to reflect on what it means to choose leaders who serve, not for their own gain, but for the betterment of their community. Our scripture today from Mark 10:35-45 helps guide us as we consider the qualities of leadership rooted in service.

Point 1: Leadership Is About Service, Not Power

Let’s talk about this. Too often, we confuse leadership with positions of authority. James and John thought that being close to Jesus meant power. But Jesus says, “No, no, no, my kingdom operates differently.

Leadership here is not about lording it over others—it’s about service!” Real leadership doesn’t climb up—it bows down! Real leadership doesn’t seek to be served—it seeks to serve!

Jesus is telling us something profound. He’s saying, It’s not about you; it’s about others. We need to look at leadership not as a way to gain status but as a way to lift others. In your job, in your home, in your church—are you serving or are you seeking power? Jesus showed us what leadership really looks like when He washed the disciples' feet. The King of kings and Lord of lords, on His knees, washing feet. That’s the heart of a servant-leader!

Point 2: True Leaders Embrace the Sacrifice of Service

Now, Jesus doesn't sugarcoat it. He talks about drinking the cup, being baptized in the baptism of suffering. Real leadership costs something. It means stepping into the difficult places. It means giving up your comfort for somebody else’s breakthrough. Too many folks want the title without the trial, the crown without the cross. But Jesus says, If you want to lead, you’re going to have to walk the hard road of sacrifice.

Look at our world today. We’re coming up on a major election, and we need to ask ourselves: Who’s willing to drink the cup? Who’s willing to make the tough calls, stand in the fire, and fight for justice, even when it’s not popular? As we vote, we need to be discerning. Don’t just look at what candidates say; look at what they’re willing to sacrifice. Jesus sacrificed everything—are our leaders willing to do the same?