By Robert Olsen, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Christian Studies, University of Mobile
SERVES
Mark 10:32–45
Death Coming (32–34)
As Jesus headed up to Jerusalem for the last time, He told His disciples what would befall Him. Jesus was going to be executed, but He would rise again on the third day. How could this miracle worker end up being killed? It made no sense to the disciples.
However, Jesus’ message was clear from the beginning of His ministry — He was coming to die. Some scholars believe that Jesus was a revolutionary who ended up being killed unexpectedly, but this does not match the biblical text. Jesus’ purpose on earth was ultimately to die for His people in order to bring salvation.
Request Made (35–40)
The disciples’ lack of comprehension was evident by the request made by James and John. Asking to be seated at the right and left of Jesus was akin to asking to be placed at the highest honor.
This shows their lack of understanding about Jesus’ ministry. They believed that Jesus was going to set up an earthly kingdom as in the times of David, and they wanted to be important people in this earthly government.
Sadly, this often becomes the goal of ministry. How many times do we hear or read about a minister of the gospel who becomes so enamored with his position of power that he uses it to gain wealth or power? People in ministry leadership seem susceptible to believing in their own importance instead of focusing on the importance of King Jesus.
We must always be mindful to check our motives in how we serve. Are we serving so that we get noticed? Are we serving so people think better of us? Or are we serving because this is how we show love to God and our neighbor?
Roles Reversed (41–45)
Naturally, the other disciples were not pleased with the request of the brothers. What made James and John more important than the rest of them? Nothing will cause a ministry to break down faster than a fight for power.
But Jesus sets them straight, informing them that their idea of importance is wrong. Jesus says that greatness is based on serving others. Jesus sets the best example of this, serving others even to the point of dying for them.
Jesus came in order to pay the price for sin on our behalf. The sinless Son of Man — truly divine and truly man — was obedient to the Father to the point of suffering on a cross for the sins of mankind so that whoever believes in Him will have eternal life. Christians are to follow this example of also putting others ahead of ourselves, even if it means death.
We see this not only taking place in the Bible, but also in the history of Christianity. How many Christians have died so that others might hear the gospel? This is seen clearly in the work of missionaries, even in recent times.
Think of Jim Elliot and his missionary friends who, in bringing the gospel to the unreached Aucas in Ecuador, were killed by the tribe they were trying to reach. Yet out of his death, the tribe eventually embraced Christianity. If Christ is our model who died for us, then we must be willing to face persecution, suffering and even death for Him.
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