THE G.O.A.T. ON BEING GREAT: PART 2

THEIR REQUEST REVEALED THEIR IMMATURITY NOT THEIR IGNORANCE.

These two men were not ignorant concerning Jesus teaching on greatness. As we saw in Mark 9 Jesus addressed their ignorance on this crucial teaching. In Mark 9 Jesus does not repudiate greatness He redefines it. He taught them that greatness is not defined by your accomplishment but who you serve. These two men weren’t ignorant - they were just immature. Instead of approaching Jesus with childlike faith they approached with a childish request.

Notice their childish approach; “teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you”. Sounds like the request of an elementary school child. Matthew’s gospel tells us in Matthew 20:20-21 “Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came up to him with her sons, and kneeling before him she asked him for something. And he said to her, “What do you want?” She said to him, “Say that these two sons of mine are to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom.”” These two men put their immaturity on full display for all too see - except themselves.

Matthew 20:20–21 ESV

Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came up to him with her sons, and kneeling before him she asked him for something. And he said to her, “What do you want?” She said to him, “Say that these two sons of mine are to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom.”

Not much in this world is more frustrating than immaturity and yet Jesus remains faithful. He does not lash or lecture them concerning their slowness. He simply pursues their heart with truth because true love knows no other course of action.

JESUS RESPONSE REVEALED WHAT IS INTRINSIC IN THE SAVIOR AND WHAT NEEDS TO BE INCARNATED THE SAINT.

Mark 10:42 ESV

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.

The question of greatness was common among Jews in that day. The disciples had absorbed the culture around them. They were plugging the teaching of Jesus into it and did not realize the contradictions.

Mark 10:43–44 ESV

But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all.

Being a servant after the pattern of Jesus is a divine enablement not a human inclination.

Mark 10:45 ESV

For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

To follow Jesus doesn’t mean we serve Jesus. To follow Jesus means we serve those who Jesus would serve.

GREATNESS IS NOT DEFINED BY YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENT BUT WHO YOU SERVE.

Are you a servant of all or some?

Do you keep a low profile or expect praise?

Do you serve with joy or obligation?

Who would Jesus be serving if He was here?

If you can answer that, then you have identified your mission.