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Mark 10:35-45
35 And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came up to him and said to him, “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 And they said to him, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” 38 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 And they said to him, “We are able.” And Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you will drink, and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized, 40 but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.” 41 And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant at James and John. 42 And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 43 But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Watch the Sermon
Summary: This week, we are beginning our four-week Advent series. The Latin root word adventus means “coming,” and in the life of the church, Advent has been a time of expectation and preparation for Christmas and the celebration of the coming of our Savior. This year, we are going to study the signs and symbols—earthly pictures that Jesus used to describe His work, ministry, and sacrificial death.
This week, we will look at Jesus’ description of His work as a servant. When James and John request a place of honor in Jesus’ coming kingdom, Jesus warns them about the reality of suffering preceding glory and encourages them to consider whether they are ready to pay the cost. When the other disciples hear about the conversation, they become frustrated with James and John’s ambition, so Jesus gathers everyone together to explain how greatness works in His kingdom. Instead of using positions of power as a club, the way the world does, Christians are called to serve in order to rise in the ranks. Indeed, if our Savior came not to be served but to serve, who are we if we do not do likewise?
Review & Apply
How can the preceding sections of chapter 10 (specifically verses 17-34) help us better understand this passage?
When Jesus talks about drinking from the cup, are there any other verses in the Gospels that can help clarify Jesus' meaning?
Were James and John completely wrong to ask for a position of honor? Why or why not?
When we desire to grow in our faith, how often do we consider the costs and our willingness to pay them?
When you think of "great" people, who comes to mind? How does this passage challenge your understanding of greatness?
How does this passage help us to serve with gospel-infused motives as opposed to self-promotion?
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