ON YOUR MARK: WEEK 10 DAY 4

Mark 10:35-45

The Request of James and John

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.”

How would you describe yourself in one sentence? 

Jesus gives us a piercingly clear explanation of who He is in Mark 10:45 that we read today. Jesus came to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). Yes, He taught. Yes, He healed. But Jesus’ purpose was central: to serve and give His life.

A ransom was the price paid to free the guilty; to pay a debt. Jesus did both for you and I. Yet, He did it as a servant. The Son of God, who created everything, the Light of the World, the King of Kings, chose to serve. Jesus was trying to teach His disciples that the way of His Kingdom is different from this world. “Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all” (Mark 10:43-44).

Let’s try this out today. Let’s change our mindset and look for ways to serve each person we interact with. I don’t think it will be easy, but it will help us change the posture of our hearts. If you do, please share your story at info@foundrychurch.net; we would love to hear from you!