Prelude
What is true greatness? Is it wealth, fame or power? Purpose: How does Jesus define greatness? Plan: Let’s reject popular ideas and discover the truth in Mark 10:32-45.
Background (vs. 32-34)
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: 33 “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; 34 and they will mock Him, and scourge Him, and spit on Him, and kill Him. And the third day He will rise again.” (Mark 10:32-34)
It’s important to note these introductory thoughts, because Jesus and the disciples were worlds apart in understanding at this point.
Places of Honor (vs. 35-37)
Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Him, saying, “Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask.” 36 And He said to them, “What do you want Me to do for you?” 37 They said to Him, “Grant us that we may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on Your left, in Your glory.” (Mark 10:35-37 NKJV)
The two sons of Zebedee blatantly ask Jesus for the two highest positions in his kingdom, to his left and right. Jesus had just finished describing His impending suffering. The disciples expected Jesus to free Israel from Rome and be king in Jerusalem. Ambition is not necessarily wrong. Jesus will include James and John in leadership, but teach them what that means.
Suffering (vs. 38-39)
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?” 39 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 will be baptized; (Mark 10:38-39 NKJV)
James and John were naive about leadership. It means loneliness, being slandered, criticism, conflict, false accusations, stress, depression, burnout, temptation, financial struggles and lack of personal time. It takes faith to answer God’s call. Every Christian drinks Jesus’ cup to some extent and is baptized to some degree with His baptism.
The cup of wine here pictures God’s wrath (Revelation 14, 16 & 19). Jesus took our punishment for sin on himself. Baptism here pictures being overwhelmed by the flood of events, tribulation and persecution. Christians who serve are to a lesser degree, overwhelmed all the time. Those who seek power may only be interested in lording it over others and not serving. The brothers’ quick reply that they were able, revealing their naivete.
Leadership (vs. 40-42)
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.” 41 And when the ten heard it, they began to be greatly displeased with James and John. 42 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. (Mark 10:40-42 NKJV)
Jesus submits to the Father’s will in setting up authorities. Do we? Do we run church as we want or as God wills? Selfish ambition still exists in the church today. Jesus was willing to make Apostles out of them, and similar pushing and shoving still goes on in the church. Imitating the petty, selfish rulers of this world still exists in the church at times. Yet, true leadership is found in loving service to others, not in job titles and positions of power.
The Great Reversal (vs. 43-45)
Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. 44 And whoever of you desires to be first 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.” (Mark 10:43-45 NKJV)
This is often termed the great reversal. Jesus reversed the world’s ideas of greatness, by serving rather than being served. Jesus came from fabulous heavenly wealth to be born among the stench of a stable, lived as a homeless preacher and died the death of a criminal on a cross to take away our sins. Every disciple should model Jesus’ sacrifice, lay down our lives in loving service. Titles are not true greatness; service is.
Postlude
We all have an opportunity for greatness. It begins as close as our nearest neighbor. It begins with loving service.
New King James Version (NKJV) Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Reference: William L. Lane. The New International Commentary on the New Testament. The Gospel of Mark. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. 1974. 376-385.
