The Greatest Servant of All
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· 707 viewsJesus shows us what true greatest looks like by being a suffering servant.
Notes
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Introduction:
True Greatness
What comes to mind when you think about greatness?
Last Sunday, there was a new Superbowl champion crowned Kansas City Chiefs. The team has not won a victory in five decades. It was a great achievement.
It was considered one of the great moments in sports history.
With Kobe Bryant’s tragic death, he was considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
Listening to the recent State of the Union, our President would probably think he is one of the greatest presidents of all time as he was listing his administrations achievements.
Some say Plato and Aristotle were the greatest philosophers of all time.
Who is the greatest?
But when we come to the Bible, greatness not look like a beefed up resume or list of achievements of one’s own doing.
Greatness often looks very ordinary. Greatness does not put the spotlight one oneself. Greatness in the Bible often looks very humble.
What is greatness?
Jesus defines greatness as humble sacrificial service for the benefit of others to the glory of God.
The greatest person in the world was the greatest servant of the world.
Recap
Jesus just taught his disciples about the need for humility, marriage, children, money and possessions.
And in this passage, he is going to teach his disciples again what true greatness looks like and how true greatness is defined.
The New International Greek Testament Commentary: The Gospel of Mark Following Jesus in the Way of the Cross (10:32–45)
The journey towards Jerusalem and the cross comes to its climax with the third and most detailed passion prediction, followed by the most emphatic of all Jesus’ reversals of accepted values in the call to serve rather than be served. This searching challenge culminates in v. 45 with the first and clearest statement of the purpose of his own coming death.
Lessons are often repeated by the Lord on different occasions because, like us, the disciples don’t often get it the first time.
This is the third and final account of Jesus predicting his own sufferings. Jesus already told his disciples plainly that he would go to Jersualem to suffer and be delivered by the chief priests and Gentiles and die and rise again.
Yet, in each account, the disciples often say something foolish and stupid. And yet, he is so patient with the disciples (even with us) and he teaches them again and again important lessons that he has already taught them.
The story breaks down with a prediction/prophecy concerning his own sufferings, foolish and insensitive remarks about their own glory, and further teaching from Jesus about the nature of discipleship.
What made Jesus the greatest person who ever lived?
The Servant’s Example (vv. 32-34)
The Servant’s Sufferings (vv. 35-42)
They were looking for a crown without a cross, glory without suffering, honour with humility—Sinclair Ferguson
The Servant’s Sacrifice (vv. 43-45)
I. The Servant’s Example (vv. 32-34)
I. The Servant’s Example (vv. 32-34)
And they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them. And they were amazed, and those who followed were afraid. And taking the twelve again, he began to tell them what was to happen to him,
Notice they are continuing on their journey to Jerusalem. Pilgrims and travelers would travel from different places to the central place of worship: Jerusalem. The great Temple was there where sacrifices were offered and where worshippers would gather.
Jesus and the disciples go up to Jerusalem.
The New American Commentary: Mark (4) The Third Passion and Resurrection Prediction (10:32–34)
The expression “going up to Jerusalem” could be taken literally because the road climbs about 3,300 feet in the twenty miles from Jericho to Jerusalem, but almost certainly it is used in the common way as a technical term for going to the Holy City on a pilgrimage or for some other important purpose. In Mark, Jerusalem is a symbol of opposition to Jesus (e.g., 3:22; 7:1).
Yet something changes in Jesus. You see that He is resolved walking ahead of them.
When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem.
The language has the echoes of what we read in our Scripture reading concerning the messianic prophecies of the suffering servant.
But the Lord God helps me;
therefore I have not been disgraced;
therefore I have set my face like a flint,
and I know that I shall not be put to shame.
The Lord God has given me
the tongue of those who are taught,
that I may know how to sustain with a word
him who is weary.
Morning by morning he awakens;
he awakens my ear
to hear as those who are taught.
Jesus was resolved to obey the Father’s will. He was resolved and took courage to be obedient the plan the Father laid out for him.
Christian—Our Savior does not lead from behind, but leads in the front and by example.
What an example for us who are leaders. If we are going to lead, we must be willing to go where we call others to follow. And Jesus was a great leader because he led by example.
And they were amazed. And those who followed him were afraid.
Even though Jerusalem was the central place of worship, ironically it became a symbol of opposition against Jesus. The Rabbis and the scribes were already conspiring about putting him to death.
Going to Jerusalem would mean opposition and potentially death for Jesus and his followers.
It would be like an American going into the heart of Iran after increasing escalating tensions.
Or if a Christian would go into the heart of ISIS territory.
Jesus understood the implications of what was going to happen and he was morally resolved to go. And the disciples knew the potential implications for themselves as followers of their Master.
And taking the twelve again, he began to tell them what was to happen to him.
saying, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death and deliver him over to the Gentiles.
Jesus identifies himself as the Son of Man. A reference used in Daniel referring to One who would rule the nations, but also a generic and ambiguous term referring to one was a human.
But Jesus predicted exactly what would take place for the third time, yet it more explicit detail.
The Bible Knowledge Commentary 10:32b–34
Jesus used eight future-tense verbs, implying certainty, in describing the coming events.
The Son of Man would be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes. The word can be translated “handed over” or “betrayed”. Again the irony is that he is going to be handed over by his own people.
But not only would he be delivered, he would be delivered over to the Gentiles. The Jews had no authority to put people to death, so they needed Rome’s permission to execute someone.
So Jesus would be delivered over to Pilate, and eventually delivered over to the will of the ruthless and violet mob.
And they will mock him and spit on him, and flog him and kill him. And after three days he will rise.”
And in these verses, these are all future tense verbs. Jesus predicted with complete accuracy all that would take place and yet he was still resolved to go.
He was still resolved to obey God no matter what the cost.
They will mock him. We see this later with the religious leaders, the Roman soldiers, even the thieves who would be crucified next to Him.
They will spit on him. You remember they spit on his face. A sign of utter disrespect. If someone spit at you, you would be feel demeaned.
They will flog him. You remember Pilate released Jesus over to be scourged by Roman whips which would have pieces of metal or bone attached to it.
They will kill him. Matthew records for us the language of crucifixion.
And three days he will rise. The disciples did not really comprehend what Jesus was saying, because they believed in a resurrection at the end of time. But Jesus was specific that he would be raised from the dead.
Our Lord would go through all this suffering for us.
Why God can’t forgive?
Why couldn’t God just forgive? It is the nature of God not to excuse sin. Every time we sin, we incur a debt against God. As a just God, he can’t just let it go if he is going to satisfy his own justice.
A judge just can’t let a murderer go or someone who has committed a crime go in the name of love because it would be unjust and justice would not be satisfied.
Therefore, there needed to be a punishment. Justice needs to be satisfied because God is Holy.
And hundreds of years earlier, Isaiah predicted the the Messiah would suffer. All throughout Scripture you get predictions, and prophecies, and types and imagery of the suffering Servant of Israel.
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning?
It is clearest in .
Surely he has borne our griefs
and carried our sorrows;
yet we esteemed him stricken,
smitten by God, and afflicted.
But he was pierced for our transgressions;
he was crushed for our iniquities;
upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,
and with his wounds we are healed.
All we like sheep have gone astray;
we have turned—every one—to his own way;
and the Lord has laid on him
the iniquity of us all.
Who has believed what he has heard from us?
And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?
For he grew up before him like a young plant,
and like a root out of dry ground;
he had no form or majesty that we should look at him,
and no beauty that we should desire him.
He was despised and rejected by men,
a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief;
and as one from whom men hide their faces
he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
Surely he has borne our griefs
and carried our sorrows;
yet we esteemed him stricken,
smitten by God, and afflicted.
But he was pierced for our transgressions;
he was crushed for our iniquities;
upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,
and with his wounds we are healed.
All we like sheep have gone astray;
we have turned—every one—to his own way;
and the Lord has laid on him
the iniquity of us all.
This was so contrary to the disciples thinking, because Rulers don’t suffer, they rule. They are free from pain and suffering. Yet our leader, but suffer a gruesome and hideous death.
From a human perspective, he was delivered over by men, but from a divine perspective, this was the plan of God the Father all along.
the sun shall be turned to darkness
and the moon to blood,
before the day of the Lord comes, the great and magnificent day.
And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.’
“Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know— this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it. For David says concerning him,
“ ‘I saw the Lord always before me,
for he is at my right hand that I may not be shaken;
therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced;
my flesh also will dwell in hope.
For you will not abandon my soul to Hades,
or let your Holy One see corruption.
Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing.
Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would set one of his descendants on his throne, he foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption. This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses. Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing. For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says,
“ ‘The Lord said to my Lord,
“Sit at my right hand,
until I make your enemies your footstool.” ’
Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”
Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
“Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know— this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it.
:
God orchestrated the plan, man was responsible.
Who killed Jesus? God or man? The answer is yes.
From a human point of view, wicked men who were responsible. But from a divine perspective, this was the plan of the Triune God for the redemption of sinners for ultimate aim of glorifying God’s justice and mercy at the cross.
Christian—The Bible is reliable. These predictions were fulfilled exactly in history everything that Jesus spoke. You can trust your Bible. Everything that Jesus said, came true. You can trust Jesus’ word.
Jesus leads by example. Take encouragement that our King and Savior doesn’t issue commands from a throne, but he takes the lead himself and commands by His own example.
God is sovereign over every detail over your life, including your suffering.
Following Jesus is costly. 11/12 were martyred. The word we get witness from. Paul, would lose his head. Not all of us will lose our lives violently like the apostles given our circumstances, but all of us are called to deny ourselves in our self-interests and follow Jesus no matter what the cost. All of us are called to pick up a cross and follow Jesus.
It is terrifying, but comforting because our Savior led the way. And his achievement on the cross was followed by resurrection from the dead.
strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.
“Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.” :28
Fear not. You can only be killed. If that argument doesn’t work for you, pray for altered priorities.
Our God is not a God who is removed from suffering. But He is a sympathetic High Priest.
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.
What made Jesus great was that He was willing to suffer with us, and for us.
Transition: But not only was Jesus great because of his prediction, he was great because of his sufferings...
II. The Servant’s Suffering (vv. 35-41)
II. The Servant’s Suffering (vv. 35-41)
And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came up to him and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.”
James and John come up to Jesus asking something of Jesus. This is called the most self-centered and selfish prayer ever asked. This one of the worst prayers every recorded coming from the lips of Jesus own disciples.
Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came up to him with her sons, and kneeling before him she asked him for something.
Can you imagine? These are two grown men, and your mom asks Jesus to do something for your two grown sons?
James and John believed in Jesus. They were part of the inner circle and were there at the transfiguration. But notice who isn’t there? Peter. So the two are trying to get a favor out of Jesus because they think he will be successful in his mission. They are looking forward to the messianic banquet.
And he said to them, “What do you want me to do for you?”
If I were Jesus, I would say, “You are the most selfish, insensitive, uncaring group of followers I have ever met!” Thank God I’m not Jesus and thank God that Jesus is humble enough to respond to their ambitious and selfish request.
Yet, we are like the disciples like that aren’t we? We often think about our own needs rather than God’s glory or His kingdom.
Just bless me with health. Just bless me with a spouse. Just bless me with a house. We turn Jesus into some type of genie that we can manipulate.
And they said to him, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.”
The right hand and left hand was a position of power and glory. In other words, let us be part of the presidential cabinet. Let us be part of the inner circle. Let me be your vice president or top advisor or senior official.
Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?”
You don’t know what you are asking.
In the OT, the cup was often a symbol of judgment.
Isaiah
Wake yourself, wake yourself,
stand up, O Jerusalem,
you who have drunk from the hand of the Lord
the cup of his wrath,
who have drunk to the dregs
the bowl, the cup of staggering.
For in the hand of the Lord there is a cup
with foaming wine, well mixed,
and he pours out from it,
and all the wicked of the earth
shall drain it down to the dregs.
Ma
Baptism referred not to water baptism, but the word means to be immersed. To be submerged. To be overwhelmed. To be plunged into calamity.
Deep calls to deep
at the roar of your waterfalls;
all your breakers and your waves
have gone over me.
Save me, O God!
For the waters have come up to my neck.
What Jesus is saying, are you able to drink the cup of God’s wrath and be overwhelmed with God’s wrath and judgment. That is what is about to take place.
And they said to him, “We are able.” And Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you will drink, and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized,
“We are able.” They did not know what they were talking about! They were naive and had no knowledge of what was about to happen to them. They couldn’t see beyond themselves.
Jesus said that eventually the would drink and suffer for the cause of the gospel.
James would be the second recorded martyr and the first of the twelve to die by Herod Agrippa.
About that time Herod the king laid violent hands on some who belonged to the church. He killed James the brother of John with the sword, and when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. This was during the days of Unleavened Bread.
He killed James the brother of John with the sword,
John would eventually be exiled on the island of Patmos.
but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.” And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant at James and John.
but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.”
but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.”
:
When we get to heaven, we are going to be surprised for those who are nearer the throne of God. The people in this world who were considered successful will be last, and those who looked last in the world will be first.
The church janitor who was faithful to his wife and his church who had no worldly recognition will be recognized over the pastor who had 3000 members yet neglected his family.
The faithful deacon who served his congregation of 30 or the faithful pastor who pastored faithfully his congregation of 20 will be recongized over the successful CEO who skipped church to pursue wealth or pastor who recorded inflated numbers of conversions and baptism.
Heaven will tell and evaluate true greatness. I think many of the saints who are in this church who have gone before us will be close to Jesus.
I think of Ritz who was paid little and was faithful.
I think of Bob Coger who went to Sierra View when he was old and frail and still preached the gospel.
I think of our beloved Pastor Ed and his rewards.
And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant at James and John.
They weren’t mad at the fact that the disciples were so insensitive and being jerks. But they were mad that they got to Jesus first! That they went behind their backs without the others talking about their position.
Christians can fight one another. Christians can be jealous of one another and envy one another. Christians can begin to compare themselves with others.
That happens today! That happens to some of you in this congregation! That happens to me!
Sin infects each one of our hearts where we do not rejoice at one another’s happiness, but weep at other’s successes because we are not not successful. I have seen sinful comparisons happen all the time in church.
How come he or she is doing so well spiritually? How come he or she have more people meeting with them? How come he or she is in a relationship? How come he or she gets to serve in that ministry?
For pastors, how come his church is growing?
That greened eyed monster of envy and jealousy resides in each of our hearts if we are not guarding our hearts.
We can seek position, recognition, and glory in the house of God! We can begin to feel entitled! We begin to feel like we deserve status or position.
The idea of Christian celebrity is a oxymoron.
Christians—We must be careful to guard our hearts against these sins and crucify these things.
Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.
Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.
Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.
envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.
Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.
You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasion is not from him who calls you. A little leaven leavens the whole lump. I have confidence in the Lord that you will take no other view, and the one who is troubling you will bear the penalty, whoever he is. But if I, brothers, still preach circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been removed. I wish those who unsettle you would emasculate themselves!
For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.
For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.
Galatians 5:19-
galatians 5:
Cultivate humility—We need to be in our Bibles regularly to get a healthy picture of who we are. Read Humility by C.J. Mahaney. Confess sins regularly privately, to one another, and corporately. We should even be people who are willing to receive criticism and people who not only know how to say I’m sorry, but please forgive me. Let us not be a culture where we seem all put together, but let us be a culture where we are transparent, and where we are not all put together, and trusting the One who can put us together.
Praise Leaders—We sing songs that confess our sin. I pick songs that show us our wretched nature.
Amazing Grace that saved a wretch like me.
I was blinded by my sin, had no ears to hear your voice, did not know your love within, had no taste for heaven’s joys, Then your Spirit gave me life.
Church Covenant—Let us not provoke one another and devour one another.
Negatively
We will seek by divine aid “to avoid all gossip, excessive anger”.
Positively
“We will rejoice at each other’s happiness, to weep with those who weep, to be slow to take offense but ready for reconciliation.”
Myself—We pray for other churches. I want to rejoice at the successes of other churches and pray for the success of other churches. I begin comparing our church with the health of other churches.
Non-Christian-The world seeks position, authority, and power to serve themselves, while Christians are those who use their authority and position and power to serve others. In fact, some will even give up their position to take the role of a servant. We see this example in our Lord, who knelt to wash the disciples feet in John 13.
Church—Let us be reminded of the ordinances that the Lord gave to the church. Those two signs must be guarded and protected if we are going to be a health ychurch.
Baptism is a reminder that Jesus was immersed in God’s wrath so that we can be immersed in His grace as we no longer live for ourselves, but for him who was judged and punished for us.
Communion is a reminder that Jesus drank the full cup of wrath so that we can drink the full cup of salvation.
Baptism is a reminder that Jesus was immersed in God’s wrath so that we can be immersed in His grace as we no longer live for ourselves, but for him who was judged and punished for us.
These two signs remind us of His sufferings and remind us that we are joined to him publicly and corporately.
Get baptized if you have not done so. Make the supper meaningful every time we observe it by preparing your heart the week before we take communion and examine ourselves.
III. The Servant’s Sacrifice (vv. 42-45)
III. The Servant’s Sacrifice (vv. 42-45)
And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them.
Jesus again teaches his disciples a lesson about the importance of humility and redefines greatness.
The Herods and Caesar’s of the world love to use their position to dominate and to crush those who go against their rule for their own ends.
They like to rule with an iron fist.
They like to rule from the throne and those who don’t submit to their demands are cast away.
Herod wanted to kill all the infants in Bethlehem because he was afraid of another king who would take his position.
There were Emperors and Kings who would be willing to execute their own children if they desired their position or status.
The world will protect their position and status.
That is how the world works. And sadly, the disciples were acting more like the world than they were like Christ.
But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant,
They were looking for a crown without a cross, glory without suffering, honour with humility...The way of the disciples is different from the way of the world. In the kingdom of God, true greatness is measured by our service, not by the number of our servants. It is seen not in how high up the ladder we have climbed, but how far down the ladder we are prepared to climb for the sake of others. True discipleship has at its heart letting go of our desire for honor in this world, in order to bestow on others. Sinclair Ferguson
Jesus redefines greatness. The greatest will be the servant. The word deacon is used. Jesus is using the word diakonos. Jesus is the great diaknos. The word means One who serves. It could be as simple as serving food and tables as we see in . And He uses another word: the word slave.
For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all.
The first must be the slave. The ESV gets the translation right. A slave belonged to another. A slave had no rights and privileges or position.
Servant and Slave. These two words that Jesus gives to his disciples to show what greatness looks like in the kingdom.
And who but Jesus showed us what true greatness looks like, but Jesus. Jesus was the greatest person who ever lived because He was the greatest servant and slave of all.
Jesus is true greatness.
You can’t have a place. It has been determined for those whom the Father is prepared.
The point of the passage is that we should not serve because Jesus serve. But serve because Jesus served us.
For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Verse 45 summarizes the heart of the Gospel. Some would argue that verse 45 summarizes the whole book of Mark. is the service of the Messiah. is the suffering of the Messiah. But just in this one verse, summarizes the gospel as it describes the person, the coming, the mission, the purpose, the payment, the substitution, and the salvation of the Son of God.
His Person—The Son of Man. The Ancient of Days in . He was the glorious Son of Man who would rule the nations, yet He was eternal.
His Coming—Came. He was born of a virgin. He became one of us. He did it voluntarily. He was not coerced against His will.
His Mission—To Serve. He served us through his teaching and his miracles.
His Life-To Give. His whole life was an act of self-giving. The Christian gospel is not primarily about what we give to God, but what He gave to us in His Son.
His Payment—Ransom—Ransom is the language of redemption. It is where one would pay the ransom price or payment so a slave could go free. This is the language of the slave market.
The Gospel of Mark 15. Rank, Precedence and Service. Ch. 10:35–45
The ransom metaphor sums up the purpose for which Jesus gave his life and defines the complete expression of his service. The prevailing notion behind the metaphor is that of deliverance by purchase, whether a prisoner of war, a slave, or a forfeited life is the object to be delivered.
The ransom was not paid to Satan as some early church fathers believed, but it was paid to God because every time we sin, we incur a infinite debt against God.
His Substitution—For—The phrase is used on behalf of, in place of, instead. Instead of us being punished for our sins, the Son of Man was punished for our sins.
All real life changing love is substitutionary. Sacrifice is at the heart of real love. Tim Keller
His Salvation—Many. Revelation speaks about a multitude who will be redeemed from every tribe nation and tongue.
The Pillar New Testament Commentary: The Gospel according to Mark Self-Serving Sons of Zebedee and Self-Sacrificing Son of Man (10:35–45)
The death of the Son of Man on behalf of “the many” is a sacrifice of obedience to God’s will, a full expression of his love, and a full satisfaction of God’s justice.
The way of the disciples is different from the way of the world. In the kingdom of God, true greatness is measured by our service, not by the number of our servants. It is seen not in how high up the ladder we have climbed, but how far down the ladder we are prepared to climb for the sake of others. True discipleship has at its heart letting go of our desire for honor in this world, in order to bestow on others. Sinclair Ferguson
Wake yourself, wake yourself,
stand up, O Jerusalem,
you who have drunk from the hand of the Lord
the cup of his wrath,
who have drunk to the dregs
the bowl, the cup of staggering.
Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush him;
he has put him to grief;
when his soul makes an offering for guilt,
he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days;
the will of the Lord shall prosper in his hand.
Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied;
by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant,
make many to be accounted righteous,
and he shall bear their iniquities.
Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied;
by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant,
make many to be accounted righteous,
and he shall bear their iniquities.
Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many,
and he shall divide the spoil with the strong,
because he poured out his soul to death
and was numbered with the transgressors;
yet he bore the sin of many,
and makes intercession for the transgressors.
Our Response: We are called to repent, change our mind and our hearts and our behaviors about what the world calls great and what God calls great. And we are to put our faith in the Son of God who came not be served, but to serve and give his life as a ransom for many.
For in the hand of the Lord there is a cup
with foaming wine, well mixed,
and he pours out from it,
and all the wicked of the earth
shall drain it down to the dregs.
The world seeks position and authority for its own ends.
Our God left his position and glory for our salvation and that God would be glorified.
The world tells you to climb about the ladder and greatness is defined by who is on the top.
Our God went down the ladder for those who couldn’t even get up. He came down so that we can be lifted.
Christian—If we truly understand who Jesus is and what He has done, we will seek to serve one another.
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,
We will view ourselves rightly.
We will seek to serve one another in the church.
How are you serving others in your local church? How are you seeking to build up others? Do you think about getting early to encourage others? Are you thinking about how a fellow brother needs encouragement? How are you serving God’s people?
What made Jesus the greatest person who ever lived and who continues to live as the reigning Lord?
He became an example of sacrificial service who gave his life so that we may inherit eternal life.
That is true greatness.
Jesus came voluntarily.
Jesus willingly gave his life as a ransom to pay the debt we could not afford to pay back.
Jesus death was substitionary.
Jesus death was for many.
Baptism—Immersed, overwhelmed, identified.
World seeks position and power. Disciples seek humility and service.
Each story has a passion, stupid response, and lesson on discipleship.
If you want to be great: you must learn to be a SERVANT AND SLAVE.
Pastors and Leaders and Deacons—This must be modeled among us. Washing each other feet.
Suffering, service, substitionary sacrifice.
Jesus was resolved to serve, die and be obedient to the Father’s plan.
Disciples, like us, can envy and be jealous of one another.
Disciples, like us, can only think about ourselves and ask God the say requests in prayer.
Ransom to theory Satan.
JESUS IS THE MODEL OF CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE. But he is more than a model, he is a sacrifice.
The Bible is utterly reliable.
Ransom: Price of realease
Illustration: going to heart of iran, isis, trump, putin, hitler. Harry Potter was resolved to go to the Dark Forest. Luke resolved to the Death Star.
Application: God sovereign over every detail, including your suffering. Serve in your church. Look at how God redefines greatness, we must be willing to suffer for Jesus and like Jesus on the way. Selfish ambition, pride, envy and jealousy must be put to death.
How can I grow in humility? Read humility by C.J. Maheny. Confess your sins regularly. Stay near to the cross. Receive Criticism: how you respond. We can be so naive in what it means to follow Jesus.Jesus will be flooded and plunged in God’s Wrath.
The Gospel of Mark 15. Rank, Precedence and Service. Ch. 10:35–45
The ransom metaphor sums up the purpose for which Jesus gave his life and defines the complete expression of his service. The prevailing notion behind the metaphor is that of deliverance by purchase, whether a prisoner of war, a slave, or a forfeited life is the object to be delivered.
Jesus will be flooded and plunged in God’s Wrath.
The New International Greek Testament Commentary: The Gospel of Mark Following Jesus in the Way of the Cross (10:32–45)
The journey towards Jerusalem and the cross comes to its climax with the third and most detailed passion prediction, followed by the most emphatic of all Jesus’ reversals of accepted values in the call to serve rather than be served. This searching challenge culminates in v. 45 with the first and clearest statement of the purpose of his own coming death.
He killed James the brother of John with the sword,
The Pillar New Testament Commentary: The Gospel according to Mark Self-Serving Sons of Zebedee and Self-Sacrificing Son of Man (10:35–45)
The brothers hope to honor Jesus while honoring themselves. How easily worship and discipleship are blended with self-interest; or worse, self interest is masked as worship and discipleship.
He was sent by the Father. He served. He sacrificed. He was substituted. He was salvation.
The Pillar New Testament Commentary: The Gospel according to Mark Self-Serving Sons of Zebedee and Self-Sacrificing Son of Man (10:35–45)
In a decisive reversal of values, Jesus speaks of greatness in service rather than greatness of power, prestige, and authority: “ ‘whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all’ ” (see 9:35; Luke 22:24–27). The preeminent virtue of God’s kingdom is not power, not even freedom, but service. Ironically, greatness belongs to the one who is not great, the diakonos, the ordinary Greek word for waiting on tables (on diakonos, see further at 9:35). The preeminence of service in the kingdom of God grows out of Jesus’ teaching on love for one’s neighbor, for service is love made tangible.
The Pillar New Testament Commentary: The Gospel according to Mark Self-Serving Sons of Zebedee and Self-Sacrificing Son of Man (10:35–45)
The death of the Son of Man on behalf of “the many” is a sacrifice of obedience to God’s will, a full expression of his love, and a full satisfaction of God’s justice.
He was sent by the Father. He served. He sacrificed. He was substituted. He was salvation.
The New American Commentary: Mark (4) The Third Passion and Resurrection Prediction (10:32–34)
The expression “going up to Jerusalem” could be taken literally because the road climbs about 3,300 feet in the twenty miles from Jericho to Jerusalem, but almost certainly it is used in the common way as a technical term for going to the Holy City on a pilgrimage or for some other important purpose. In Mark, Jerusalem is a symbol of opposition to Jesus (e.g., 3:22; 7:1).
Rivalary is a great sin among pastors and churches.
The Bible Knowledge Commentary 10:32b–34
Jesus used eight future-tense verbs, implying certainty, in describing the coming events.
He was sent by the Father. He served. He sacrificed. He was substituted. He was salvation.
Kobe was considered the greatest basketball player. He won championships. We think of greatness in terms of accomplishments. God thinks of greatness in terms of sacrificial acts of service on behalf of others.
He came, he served, he gave, he substituted, he saved.
Authority is responsibility and service. Jesus has all authority in the world because he gave up his status and glory to serve and save lost sinners who deserve his wrath and make them saints who follow in His example.
Let us be a church who love the Son of God and serve Him because of His example, sufferings, and sacrificial service.