Proper 24 (October 20, 2024)

Mark 10:32–45 NIV84

32 They were on their way up to Jerusalem, with Jesus leading the way, and the disciples were astonished, while those who followed were afraid. Again he took the Twelve aside and told them what was going to happen to him. 33 “We are going up to Jerusalem,” he said, “and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the Gentiles, 34 who will mock him and spit on him, flog him and kill him. Three days later he will rise.” 35 Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do for us whatever we ask.” 36 “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked. 37 They replied, “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.” 38 “You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said. “Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?” 39 “We can,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with, 40 but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared.” 41 When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John. 42 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 43 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

The central thought of Mark 10:32-45 is that true greatness is found in serving others and dying to oneself. Jesus calls his disciples to be servants and slaves to all, and to use their power to serve others instead of bending the people to their will.

The theme is: THE ROAD TO GREATNESS IN CHRIST’S KINGDOM

GOAL: To encourage people to the ministering life in the Kingdom.

You would think that followers of Christ should expect respect and honor. After all, they are God's ambassadors in this world. Our sinful nature latches on to that and looks for recognition and prestige. We can relate to the disciples’ request in the Gospel. “Yet it was the LORD's will to...cause him to suffer” (Isaiah 53:10, First Reading).

In today's Gospel, Jesus demonstrates that glory comes only through service and sacrifice, as the appointed Gospel includes Jesus’ third prediction of his passion along with his explanation of his purpose.

In the Second Reading, Paul models service for the sake of the gospel. That is proper ambition-a desire to serve. The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve. Followers of Christ imitate that selfless service.

The desire for greatness is one of our basic desires. The road by which we achieve greatness makes all the difference.

THE ROAD TO GREATNESS IN CHRIST’S KINGDOM

is not…

Not the Road of Selfish Ambition.

That is the road James and John wanted to take.

They imagined that Jesus would soon set up a kingdom on earth (Acts 1:6).

They selfishly wanted a place of prominence.

Jesus tells them that selfish ambition is not the road.

Jesus is soon to drink the cup of suffering.

James and John brashly say that they are able to drink of it.

Jesus predicts that they shall suffer for His sake (Luke 6:22).

He reminds them that prominence in the Kingdom is a matter of grace.

Given by the Father (Matt. 25:34).

Given in grace (Eph.2:8-9).

Ambition in the kingdom: what a curse! What havoc it brings in one's place of employment, in the home, in the church! Selfish ambition is genuine Gentile behavior. It is a sin that calls for repentance, which leads to

The Road of Humble Service.

Christ came to minister.

He deserved the world's acclaim, for He was the Son of God (John 1:1, 14; Luke 2:13-14).

Yet He came to minister.

He came preaching the Gospel and healing (Matt. 9:35).

He gave His life as a ransom for many (1 Tim.2:6; Gal. 3:13; Tit. 2:14;Rom.3:24;Eph.1:7).

Christ has left us an example to follow (Phil. 2:5-11).

God has already crowned us with greatness.

He made us His children (Eph. 2:4-7; 1 John 3:1-2).

He has given us eternal life (John 3:16; 10:27-29).

Because we have heaven as a gift, we are to live a ministering life.

Telling the Good News of Christ (Matt. 28:18-20).

Serving one another (Gal. 5:13; John 12:26).

Jesus calls his disciples to serve others and be slaves of all, rather than lording over others. We can use our power and status to serve others, rather than bending the world to our will.

Jesus calls us to follow him in downward mobility, which can be a faithful way to live. Someone might choose to stay with an aging parent instead of taking a promotion that would require moving away. For Example: Kris has the opportunity for a promotion. It is a great job with excellent benefits, but it means moving away from her aging mother. Rather than leave to live her dreams, she stays to walk in God’s ways, caring for her mother. She follows Christ into what our world would see as foolishness. Yet, for her, this is faithful. She is following Jesus’ example

Such actions are not demanded of us. No, they are freely chosen. Jesus calls us to follow and the Spirit guides us in our ways. This is the road to greatness in Christ Kingdom. What a privilege, what a challenge, and what a joy!

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.