By Robert E. Jackson, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Christian Studies, University of Mobile
Serves
Mark 10:35–45
The Request (35–39a)
On the road to Jerusalem, Jesus talks to His disciples about His soon coming suffering and death. His words seemingly go in one ear and out the other.
James and John approach Jesus with a question. No, they are not asking for the honor to be crucified to the right and left of Jesus.
The disciples are desiring to replace the self-serving Roman government with a new government where they would rule.
While Christ is talking about dying as a suffering servant James and John are asking to be elevated to the most influential people on earth. Jesus tells them they don’t understand their request.
The road for all Christ-followers is the same road Jesus traveled; a path of suffering and death.
The cup is a metaphor for suffering (Isa. 51:17, 22), and baptism refers to being submerged into calamity (Pss. 42:7; 69:1).
In other words Jesus wants the disciples to know following Him is filled with trials, difficulties and even death.
Jesus challenges the two men to consider the cost of their request.
Today we must make certain we proclaim the true gospel. No gospel exists without a cross.
A message of “Come to Jesus and you will become healthy, wealthy and free of suffering” is unbiblical and must be rejected.
It is imperative we teach others to consider carefully the cost of following Jesus.
The Reaction (39b–41)
Jesus assures James and John they will follow Him and will suffer greatly because of this decision.
However, He informs them the Father has already chosen the two people who will sit on His right and left in the new Kingdom.
The other disciples hear this conversation and are furious.
Their anger is not because James and John were insensitive to ask for power when Jesus was talking about His suffering and death.
No, they were angry because they wanted to sit at the right and left of Jesus. They were jockeying for position, fame and power.
Far too often in our churches we have people who are hungry for honor and position. They get mad when someone gets more recognition than they do.
Nor do we have to look very far to find a pastor who uses churches like a stepladder to get to a more prestigious place of “service.”
As we study this passage we must ask ourselves, “Do I strive for recognition or honor? Am I jealous or envious of others when they are acknowledged and I am not?”
The Ransom (42-45)
The very heart of this section is summarized in Jesus’ challenge to serve.
True honor comes from serving others instead of lording over them. After all Jesus came to serve and give His life as a ransom for many.
By using the word ransom Jesus is implying that humans are enslaved making it impossible for us to ever pay for our own freedom.
Jesus’ death is a supreme act of sacrifice that anyone who believes in Him will be set free.
What must be done? Repent and believe today!
After believing, Christians must follow Jesus in a life of serving others.
Martin Luther King Jr. once said that anyone can be great because anyone can serve: “You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You don’t have to know Plato and Aristotle. … You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.”
Share with others: