Mark 10:32-45; Be Careful What You Ask For

Sermon in a sentence: We need to be more concerned with God’s will than our wants.

The Preparing of the Disciples (vs. 32-34)

Jesus addressed the fear of those that were following him.

The people were likely afraid because of Jesus’ strong words to the rich young ruler.

For the third time, Jesus tells his disciples what will happen in Jerusalem.

As a loving Father, Jesus takes his children aside to calm their fears and set their expectations.

The Petition of the Disciples (vs. 35-41)

The disciples are once again completely misunderstand Jesus’ teaching.

James and John did’t understand what they are asking.

The other disciples were angry that these two (including their mother) would ask something so selfish of Jesus.

The other disciples were also probably angry that they did not ask.

We must be careful that our actions of boldness do not spring forth from selfish ambitions. Judas was the keeper of the money. Why they not give it to Matthew the tax collector? Judas must have demonstrated good behavior, but where was his heart?

The Provision for the Disciples (vs. 42-45)

Jesus told his disciples the way to greatness was through service.

Matthew 5:5

Matthew 5:5 ESV

5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

James 4:4-10

James 4:4–10 ESV

4 You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. 5 Or do you suppose it is to no purpose that the Scripture says, “He yearns jealously over the spirit that he has made to dwell in us”? 6 But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.

Proverbs 16:18

Proverbs 16:18 ESV

18 Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.

Jesus is the perfect servant who gave his life so his people could live!

Questions

Are you a servant of Jesus?

What are you doing to serve? Jesus? His bride?

Are you serving for the right reasons?