What It Takes to be Great

Mark 10:35–45 NIV

Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do for us whatever we ask.” “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked. They replied, “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.” “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?” “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, 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.” When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John. 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. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 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.”

Introduction: Last week we talked about a Biblical view of money as a foundation towards living a generous life. We are called to use Wisdom to steward our finances well, and we are not to rest joy in money and therefore be open-handed with it as well. But is Living a Generous Life all about money, or can it also be about our perspective on greatness? Even if you do not have a lot of money, how can you be generous?

Jesus took an opportunity to teach his disciples who were hungry for greatness about this...

17 - The Desire for Greatness

A. The Hope of the Kingdom -

Story of Israel after the Exile - hope for the Kingdom.

Michael Goheen expectations of all Jewish sects of the time.

Violence - To overthrow Rome

Seperation - From the Gentiles.

B. James and John

a. Fisherman - not usually considered the greatest in society

b. John the one who Jesus loved.

c. While their request is rooted in motivation of restoration, they want to be “Greater” then their fellow disciples - Why the other disciple’s were upset, because of this presumption (They were just as ambitious).

C. Definition of Overpower

E. Working at Hazen

D. What have you wanted to be considered the greatest - For me it was baseball in high school, that promotion

D. What have you wanted to be considered the greatest - For me it was baseball in high school, that promotion, you name it - where might there be a hint of competitiveness.

Ambition not bad, and being excellent at what you do is very much Christian - The question is what is our motivation.

F. Nicaragua - Current President helped overthrow the a tyrant, only now has consolidated power and is becoming a tyrant.

What Does Jesus say it takes to be great?

18 - To Be Great is to Serve Generously.

E. Working at Hazen

To Be Great is to Serve Generously.

19-23 - Slides of Butterflies - Cindy does not power over these butterflies, but serves them.

Jesus has been trying to correct the Disciple’s understanding of the greatness of the Kingdom since when Peter confessed Jesus was the Messiah, and after the Transfiguration where there was no doubt he was.

Jesus He Willingly went to torture, death, and resurrection.

Meaning of Baptism - Jesus is suffering? Meaning of Cup - The Wrath that he receives.

- The right and left = the two crucified next to Jesus = Not for any of the disciples. They symbolize the death to our way, our means of revolution.

Jesus Generously Served us, we are called to do the same.

Jesus has identified with us, we grow closer to him when we identify with him.

Francis of Assissi - Rich man walking along the road saw the face of Jesus in a begger.

But the question is Who?

24 - Who to Serve?

Often, we choose not to help others because we believe their past behavior has put them into their present situation. Jesus, however, helped us despite the sins we’ve committed.

We are talking about generous living so we serve… Yes, in the Church, but also, our families, those we work with, on our sports teams, bands, classes, teachers, bosses, our community, our friends, those close to us, those not like us, and those far from us.

Life Groups - A mission to serve by encouraging each other to follow Jesus.

Missional Communities - A mission to serve by loving people in our community like Jesus loved us.

Conclusions: Take an inventory of where your ambitions involve controlling, overpowering others. How can you lead by serving others?

Reference the Reformed Confessions: The Reformed Confessions are statements of faith written to clarify the Gospel at times when the Church was in crisis. Heidelberg Catechism: Q&A 32, 43, 86, 91, 115, 122, 124 Belgic Confession: Articles 24 Canons of Dort: Head V, Article 12-13 Belhar Confession: Article 2

Canon’s of Dort: Head II, Article 5,