Untitled Sermon (7)

What Do You Want Me to Do for You?

Bible Passage: Mark 10:35–45, Mark 10:46–52, Luke 19:1–10, Luke 18:35–43

Summary: In these passages, we see Jesus address the desires and needs of those around Him, challenging us to ponder our own requests before Him and revealing His heart for service and transformation.

Application: This sermon encourages Christians to reflect on their personal requests to Jesus and consider how they might align their desires with His will. It challenges us to approach God with sincerity, asking not just for what we want, but for the grace to see Him work in our lives and the lives of others.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that bringing our requests to Jesus is vital in our relationship with Him, showing that He is both a servant and a savior, ready to respond to the genuine needs of our hearts, but also calling us to reflect on the greater mission of servanthood.

How this passage could point to Christ: In these texts, Christ reveals Himself as the one who meets the deepest needs of humanity—healing physical ailments, restoring sight, and saving the lost. Ultimately, it points to Christ's ultimate work of servanthood through His death and resurrection, where He fulfills the greatest needs of sin and separation from God.

Big Idea: Jesus invites us to come to Him with our deepest needs and desires, but He also prepares us for a life of servanthood and transformation through His example.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon using Logos, consider studying the socio-cultural context of first-century Judea and how Jesus’ interactions with the marginalized reveal His mission. Look for commentaries that explore the linguistic nuances in the requests made in these passages and how the Greek terms used for 'want' and 'do' could impact interpretation. Examining the themes of servanthood across the synoptic gospels could provide a cohesive thread for your sermon.

1. Selfish Desires vs. Servant Heart

Mark 10:35–40

Perhaps highlight the request of James and John to emphasize our human inclination towards self-serving desires. Suggest acknowledging how Jesus redirects their ambitions towards servanthood, teaching us to consider His purpose and not merely our own benefits. You could focus on how Jesus calls us to examine our motives, aligning them with His sacrificial love.

2. Greatness Through Service

Mark 10:41–45

You could explore Jesus’ response to the disciples' indignation, revealing the radical nature of His Kingdom that elevates servanthood over dominance. Maybe emphasize that true greatness is found in serving others, following Jesus' example as the ultimate Servant. This point can challenge us to see our requests as opportunities to show Christ's love through service.

3. Crying Out for Mercy

Mark 10:46–50

Look into Bartimaeus' plea for mercy as a model of humble, desperate faith. Perhaps discuss how Jesus invites those who recognize their need for Him and respond to genuine cries for help. Suggest that this teaches us to come to Him in authenticity and vulnerability, trusting that He will meet us where we are.

4. Restoration Through Faith

Mark 10:51–52

Consider Bartimaeus’ encounter with Jesus and the transformation he experiences as a symbol of faith leading to spiritual and physical restoration. You might highlight how Jesus’ question, “What do you want Me to do for you?” invites us to express our deepest needs and trust Him for renewal and healing. This can inspire us to seek holistic change through Christ.

5. Seeking Transformation with Jesus

Luke 19:1–7

Maybe draw attention to Zacchaeus' determination to see Jesus, illustrating the importance of seeking Him amidst obstacles. You could suggest that Jesus’ invitation to Zacchaeus shows His willingness to connect with those who long for transformation, challenging us to invite Him into our lives for profound change.

6. Repentance Leads to Restoration

Luke 19:8–10

Explore Zacchaeus' response to Jesus' presence—a life turned towards repentance and restitution. Highlight how Jesus’ encounter with Zacchaeus exemplifies His mission to seek and save the lost. Encourage your audience to respond to Jesus' transformative call, fostering a community marked by grace, generosity, and change.