The Gospel of Mark #27 - 2 Motives for Approaching Jesus

The Gospel of Mark #27:

2 Motives for Approaching Jesus

Text: Mark 10:35-52

Thesis: To note that one must have the correct motive for coming to Jesus.

Introduction:

(1)   As a teenager, when I would compliment my father or mother, I would then be asked, “How much money do you want?”

(2)   Sometimes, people use God for selfish motives.

(3)   Let us examine 2 motives for coming to Jesus.

Discussion:

I.                   Motive #1: Wants

A.    The request of James and John follows Jesus’ 3rd passion and resurrection

prediction.

1.      This first prediction (8:31-33) was followed by Peter’s rebuke of Jesus.

2.      The second prediction (9:30-32) was followed by the disciples arguing about who would be the greatest in the kingdom.

B.     James and John are selfishly concerned about their place in the coming

kingdom.

1.      “In Jewish thought the right hand of the king was the place of greatest prominence; and the left hand, second in prominence” (Brooks 167).

2.      They already had the assurance of being there with Jesus, but they wanted more than “just that.”

C.     Jesus responded by basically saying that the “way to glory is sacrifice, service,

and suffering” (Brooks 168).

1.      The ‘cup’ of verse 38 is a metaphor for suffering (Isa. 51:17, 22) and the ‘baptism’ is a metaphor for being plunged into calamity (Psa. 42:7; 69:1).

2.      In verse 45, “the word translated ‘ransom’ was often used in secular Greek to refer to purchasing the freedom of a slave or a prisoner of war. The emphasis was on the price that was paid” (Brooks 171).

D.    Application:

1.      Many people attempt to use God for their own gain.

a.       E.g., some people only become religious when things are bad, but turn away when things are better.

b.      E.g., some people only become religious when it is beneficial to them in terms of impressing other people.

2.      Some people come to God asking: “What’s in it for me?”

II.                Motive #2: Needs

A.    In Jericho, a blind man named Bartimaeus learned that Jesus was in town and began to cry out for Jesus, which demonstrates that:

1.      He was pitifully aware of his condition

2.      He displayed penetrating insight into the person of Christ

3.      He had amazing, passionate persistence [Hughes 2:71-73]

B.     As a result of this crying out, a merciful Jesus asked Bartimaeus what he wanted.

C.     Bartimaeus only asked for what he knew that he needed; i.e., his sight.

D.    Application:

1.      Our greatest need is salvation because sin is our greatest problem.

2.      Anything beyond salvation is only an added bonus, not a need.

Conclusion:

-          Will you approach Jesus today with the motive of having Him to save you, which is your greatest need?