The MARK of a Disciple- CEASING OF OUR SELF

Mark ten starts off with Jesus being questioned about divorce. Christ responds that divorce is not his plan. Although, he did say that it was permitted but not his desire. He teaching was not to condemn those who had been divorced but rather to strengthen those who were married.

Next we see the interaction between the disciples and the children. v. 13

The following story is of the rich man who Christ Loved. v. 21

However, we see that his riches prevented him from coming to Christ.

America is blessed and rich by the worlds standards. As a result many individuals face the same dilemma that this man faced. They want Christ but as long as they can have him and their life. However, they are unable or unwilling to forsake all for Christ.

How about you? Are you attempting to have all of Jesus and all of this world, or are you willing to sell out for Christ?

The third account is of Jesus entering into Jerusalem. Once again in verse 33,34 He prophecies of His death and resurrection. However, like before, the disciples still do not understand.

This brings us to our text this morning.

James and John, still couldn’t understand that the kingdom that Jesus was building was the church. Instead, there pride had them desiring to reign with Him. The result was Christ lesson on discipleship.

We see that Jesus said there would be three primary areas that disciples must yield too.

Mark 10:35-45

1. Humility

James and John approached Jesus, through the bidding of their mother, and requested that they sit on both sides of Jesus in his kingdom. Mat. 20:20-21

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.”

However, Christ responded and said that the decision was not his to make. Jesus was not saying that he didn’t have the authority to make a decision but rather that the decision was already made and could not be changed.

Im reminded of the individual who said that they only had four faults. 1. I lack humility. B Im inconsistent. Finally, I can’t count.

One of the greatest challenges facing the SBC/GBC and every aspect of our society is pride. Everyone wants the spotlight and they are willing to do what ever it takes to get there.

And people are wiling to promote their friends at all cost. Even if they know that there are disqualifying reasons. I currently know of a man being promoted to be the president of the Georgia Baptist Convention who has recently had a major moral failure that ha spanned several years. Instead of pushing for repentance he is being promoted to the highest position in our state.

We must come to a place where we are not consumed with titles and instead become consumed with humility.

Romans 12:3 KJV 1900

For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

2. Service

True greatness is not found in accolades, or recognition. It is found is service.

There is a story that goes an English Lord asked his servant, “James a glass of water, please. “Here you go my Lord.” Again he asked,”James another a glass of water, please”, “Here you are my Lord.” Finally, the Lord said, “James you better call the fireman I don”t think we can put out the fire by ourselves. “

Mark (5) The Ambition of James and John (10:35–45)

Here Jesus emphatically stated that his disciples must not be like Gentile rulers but like “servants” (diakonoi), originally those who waited on tables,19 and like a “slave” (doulos, one totally owned by another and possessing no rights except those given by his or her master). A servant type of ministry, of which Jesus himself is the best example, is set forth.

The word for minister means to serve. My duty as a pastor isn’t to run the business of the church, although that fall sunder my job description, it isn’t to be an administrator it is to be a servant.

Jesus said if you want to be great than be a servant. If you want to be the greatest be a servant of all.

Your legacy will not be built by your achievements, it will be built by your sacrifice. Thats why Jesus said in Romans 12:1

Romans 12:1 ESV

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.

This is the same word that is translated as Deacon in I Timothy.

A deacon is not a ruler of the church. He is not part of a board of directors.

A deacon is a servant. The office of deacon was given by God to assist the pastor, to help share the work of the ministry.

To be a deacon means you are willing and active in the work of the church.

We are about to have deacon nominations coming up. If you want to be a deacon then you must be willing to work. Part of that duty is to call and visit the widows and sick. To clean the floors (if needed), lead by example and be faithful to church. These are requirements and not suggestions.

You may hold the title but if you do not perform the work then you are not a deacon (servant).

Now as age and health impact your life, your areas of service my evolve but you must remain invested in the work of the church. You say pastor, I cant go and makes visits, thats fine but can you pick up the phone?

I can’t physically do the labor, again, thats fine but can you see the need and then work with others to see the task completed.

3. Martyrdom

Furthermore, (diakonoi) gives the thought of one who has surrendered their will and has become like a slave, fully serving their master.

As children of God, we have surrendered our hearts and lives to Jesus. Jesus said we must deny (die) to ourselves.

When you come to Christ, it will never be sufficient for you to live for Christ part-time. Sunday morning christianity is a farse. Either you live for Jesus or you do not.

Maybe you are here today and you claim to be a child of God but you have been deceived into believing Sunday morning is enough to appease God for the week. However, I have some bad news for you. God is holy, righteous, and cannot be bribed or appeased with an hour of time each week.

Mark 8:34 KJV 1900

And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

Jesus was telling this disciples that they must die to themselves and live for Christ.

This is a dedication that will envelope your thoughts, desires, and actions.

Mark (5) The Ambition of James and John (10:35–45)

According to Acts 12:2 James was indeed martyred at the hands of Herod Agrippa I, probably in A.D. 44, and this alone is sufficient fulfillment of the prophecy. The New Testament does not record the death of John. The later epitomizer of the Chronicle of Philip of Side (ca. A.D. 450) claimed that Papias (ca. A.D. 130) indicated John and James were killed by the Jews

Galatians 2:20 KJV 1900

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.