SERVICE: Standard Set

Mark 10:42–45 CSB

Jesus called them over and said to them, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in high positions act as tyrants over them. But it is not so among you. On the contrary, whoever wants to become great among you will be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you will be a slave to 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.”

INTRO—

Do you remember back to your high school (your grade school?) days? …Sitting in the class…how long did it take you to discover who was (wanted to be) the teacher’s pet? OR, as parents of school-age kids…how long did it take you to discover who wanted their kid(s) to be the teacher’s pet or star-of-the-class? Well, as we turn to Mark chapter 10…let’s see if this seems familiar...

Mark 10.35-41 “James and John, the sons of Zebedee, approached him and said, “Teacher, we want you to do whatever we ask you.” “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked them. They answered him, “Allow us to sit at your right and at your left in your glory.” Jesus said to them, “You don’t know what you’re asking. Are you able to drink the cup I drink or to be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?” “We are able,” they told him. Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink, and you will be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with. But to sit at my right or left is not mine to give; instead, it is for those for whom it has been prepared.” When the ten disciples heard this, they began to be indignant with James and John.”

[Elsewhere, we read that this was also instigated by these boys’ mom (Matthew 20.20-28).]

Jesus’ answer gives us insight into the standard for our next healthy habit on our list in our study…SERVICE!

ALSO…ALSO...

I have to maintain the ‘habit’ I’ve set for myself each time throughout this series when we embark upon a study of a new spiritual habit—that is, to remind us of the reason why this study is so important to us individually…and corporately as a church:

Hebrews 12.14 “Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness—without it no one will see the Lord.” [PURSUE HOLINESS]

1 Timothy 4.7 “But have nothing to do with pointless and silly myths. Rather, train yourself in godliness.” [TRAIN IN GODLINESS]

With our heading reconfirmed, let’s proceed forward in our focus on the spiritual habit of SERVICE.

THE STANDARD OF SERVICE [Mark 10.42-45]

Mark 10.42-45 “Jesus called them over and said to them, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in high positions act as tyrants over them. But it is not so among you. On the contrary, whoever wants to become great among you will be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you will be a slave to 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.””

The Standard Missed (Mark 10.42-43a)

A godless, self-established (self-serving) standard.

= lord it over…act as tyrants

— Jesus’ commentary: IT IS NOT SO AMONG YOU (not should be, not will be…IS!)

The Standard Mentioned (Mark 10.43b-44)

The ones who have a godly, holy, righteous reputation DO (will, shall).

= be a servant…be a slave

Servant — διάκονος … same word we use for deacons; care giver, “waiting man;” the server in his (her) action [does]

Slave — δοῦλος … word most often used for indentured servant; bound man, domestic servant; the server in his (her) position [is]

The Standard Met (Mark 10.45)

Jesus…his example for us; meets (exemplifies) the standard…PERFECTLY, ULTIMATELY, COMPLETELY!!!

…Which is in accomplishing our salvation!

CONCL—

In setting the standard by referencing his example to us, Jesus also provides us with a helpful warning with a powerful illustration encouraging our awareness of the scope of those whom we are called to serve (Matthew 25.31-46). In the midst of this example (to which we will return in future messages), notice the description of service (a.k.a. “ministry”):

Matthew 25.35-36 “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat; I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink; I was a stranger and you took me in; I was naked and you clothed me; I was sick and you took care of me; I was in prison and you visited me.”

[[TIME OF PRAYER OVER RESER FAMILY]]

Mark 10:45 CSB

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.”