Mark 10:35-45 - The Upsidedown Kingdom

Introduction

Have you ever been loved in a way that really impacted you? Have you ever been served in a way that humbled you? (Footwashing… Have you ever taken someone’s faithful service to you for granted? (Spouse? people around you)

There was no obligation on their part, they just loved and served.

It can be easy to miss, so let me point out ways that you have been served, and loved tongiht… (Amy, Mary, Meagan, Ashley, tech, etc.)

Jesus made it a point that we would understand He came to SERVE.

I want our church to have a heart to serve the Lord by serving one another (Romans 12:6-8)

Mark 10:35-41 - Inward focused service

The Lure of Selfish Ambition

James 3:16 NLT

For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.

If the church loses her heart for John 3:16, she will inevitably begin to operate by James 3:16.

Note: Ambition is not wrong in itself. Personal ambition is destructive. “Holy” ambition is a healthy fire in our hearts to do great things in God’s power - and to be honest, we could all use more of that. For whose glory is your ambition? (is our desire connected to being esteemed by others or God) Have you overcorrected, lacking “holy” ambition?

Warning: Selfish ambition requires a life of service to self.

Question: What IS your Holy Ambition?

William booth, founder of salvation army: Your Majesty,

Some men’s ambition is art,

Some men’s ambition is fame,

Some men’s ambition is gold,

My ambition is the souls of men.

Vs. 35 - “We want you to do us a favor.”

Lit: “We want you to do whatever we ask of you” NLT phrased it right.

We want you to use your power & influence to achieve a personal desire we cannot fulfil for ourselves.

“I was looking out for #1 and saw an opportunity for you to help...”

Vs. 37 - The desire of the flesh to be exalted before people

NLT: "your glorious throne" - Lit: "In your glory" - when Jesus is exalted, they want to be seen next to Him, sharing in the glory, sharing in the exaltation.

The path to exaltation is humility—serving others

James 4:10 NLT

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.

Vs. 38-39: The Cup & Baptism of suffering = the cross. The laying of sins upon himself… But what of James and John drinking from that cup?

Jesus was asking them if they were prepared to suffer. He often reminds his followers to “count the cost.” (Luke 14)

In the Old Testament, “the cup” signified divine judgment on sin. By “his cup,” Jesus was probably referring to the divine judgment poured out on him on behalf of all humanity. This phrase further points out the disciples’ lack of understanding.

James was the first martyr (Acts 12:2) - beheaded by Herod.

John was the last disciple to die, alone, in exile on a prisoner’s island.

Vs. 40 - "No right to grant" - The Father has already established this according to His divine wisdom and sovereignty. In other words, this doesn't fall under the, "Hey Jesus, can you do us a favor?" it would take away from those who have rightfully been selected for these positions.

Mark 10:42-44 - Outward focused Service

Among you it will be Different

Vs. 42 - This positioning for power? These political power plays? This isn’t how it works in God’s Kingdom. (That’s why we HATE CHURCH POLITICS - It doesn’t belong in God’s Kingdom)

The world’s idea of greatness is to rule, but the Christina’s greatness consists in serving.

Assess… Are we doing it differently?

Illustration: Serving...

Gr: diakonos

The act (serving) & the office.

Today, we fight over who can hold the official title, while few are just focus on the actual work of service (open to anyone).

I’d rather have 10 people committed to serving and caring for their church family than 50 people holding the title of “deacon” (but contribute little to the service of their church family.)

Among us it is supposed to be different. Focus on obediently carrying out the Great Commission in the heart of the Great Commandment and New Commandment, and be less concerned about the titles, accolades and recognition you recieve among men. God will bless and exalt His servants, and He will bring low those who are proud.

Galatians 5:24 NLT

Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there.

Mark 10:45 - The Power of Selfless Service

Legacies are built when we invest in those around us. Legacies do not exist for the life lived for self, bc the investment dies with the person.

Understand, Vs. 35-44 is the background for verse 45. The world has this backward, Jesus has come to set the example.

For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others

Meaning:

Check your pulse:

In your relationship with God…

Do you approach your relationship with the Lord as Jesus (carrying out God’s mission God’s way) or James & John (God, I need You to do something for me…)

In your marriage or close relationships (Ephesians 5:25)

Seth & Megan - Wedding. “Agape Love” - giving someone what they need the most when they deserve it the least at great person cost to yourself…

In your home

At your job

The One who came and served us sacrificially now calls us to serve others sacrificially.

And to give his life as a ransom for many

Meaning:

The ransom or the purchase price is not paid to Satan. It is paid to God, for it is to God that we are in debt.

Check your pulse:

Whose pulse is beating?

Who are you serving?

Whose ambitions are you focused on?

Whose ambitions are you living out?

Galatians 2:20 NLT

My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Acts 20:24 (NLT)

But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.

Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations Service

I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.

—Rev. 3:8

APPLICATION

Identify selfish ambition and surrender it to the Lord.

Clarify your holy ambition. What do you want to accomplish for the Kingdom of God in your life? Start with what your Master is asking you to do…

MY HOLY AMBITION: _____________________________________

4. We have opportunties to serve here in this church family. Opportunities to love each other in practical ways. (Review)

The Lord’s Supper - Matthew 26:26-30