READ: Mark 10:35
CHALLENGE: Be a Servant Leader!
It’s so fascinating that Jesus tells them he’s going to die and they are thinking of their own advancement. At least their faith was strong enough to believe that Jesus would reign but there is still a selfish pride.
Before getting into this, let’s remember that pride is the original sin. Satan thought he should have God’s place. Satan used pride to convince Eve and Adam to eat from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. You will be like God. I want that God-like place among my peers – so dangerous. Putting yourself above others is spiritually unhealthy.
- PRIDE LIFTS SELF UP ABOVE OTHERS
- Sign #1 – You Desire Respect Without Earning Respect
Vv35-45 – Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do for us whatever we ask.” 36 “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked. 37 They replied, “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.” 38 “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?” 39 “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, 40 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.” 41 When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John.
This was a prideful request but it provides Jesus a teachable moment where he can give stellar instruction that stands the test of time. We are here to serve.
Their request was to sit at the right and left of Jesus when he got to glory. Could they even imagine how glorious that would be? He told them they had no idea what they were asking. Imagine the most glorious and stellar environment you could possibly conjure up. Perhaps the most regal cathedral. The most breathtaking place! And in this place of absolute glory, imagine yourself there, seated next to Jesus and sharing in the power.
Give us position. Give us power. We want to set upon a perch far above all others.
Jesus said that he couldn’t grant their request because God had already made that decision and He is the one who appoints people. God sets people up and he brings people down.
The other ten became indignant because the two thought they were better than them. Truly, if you think you’re better than other people, that will fire others up. It’s a terrible way to lead.
Now Jesus asks a question, are you willing to drink from the same cup I will. Go through the baptism I am? To be fully submerged in pain and rejection – are you willing? You have to earn it. Yes, they say. They would. One would be killed by Herod. The other would be boiled in oil on the isle of Patmos.
Jesus basically asks them this question, “Have you earned it”? Have you bled the same as others? Have you gone through what they’ve gone through? Or do you just wanted position handed to you without earning it? Do you just want the boss role without sweeping the floor first? Respect is earned.
How is it in our world today? Do people want to earn it or do they want it handed to them because in their imagination, they are THAT great? You want to be like Jesus, earn it and continue earning it as Jesus does.
The fact is that these men will be sleeping as Jesus wrestles in prayer ahead of his crucifixion. They weren’t even willing to do that but they wanted the top spot. I used to tell my soccer team, no one is handing you anything! Earn it. Don’t assume a right to a position of leadership or entitlement above others. Earn the respect you desire.
Sign #2 – You Think You’re Better Than Others
James and John ask because they believe they deserve it. They must think that they’re better than the other 10. Christ’s advice is to never think you’re better than anyone else. Don’t believe that you’re more spiritual than other people. I have seen this most of my life. Christians because of denomination or their own man-made rules place themselves above other people. You make your little hill, stand atop, and crow about yourself. You elevate you!
They think, “My interpretation of Scripture is better than yours”. “My standards are better than yours”. “I’m more holy because I listen to this music”. I’m better because …
Then you might switch a view and you’re better than all who haven’t. Having a different idea doesn’t mean it’s a better idea and why do you think your idea is better. Who are you?
I remember hearing the professor in our church history class. He said it would take a person 45 years to come to a conclusion and then they wanted everyone else there in 45 minutes without giving them the chance to wrestle it through. PURE ARROGANCE.
Sure, stick to the black and white of the Bible but after that … one person’s view is as good as another. I had to learn that even in marriage, we don’t always think alike and that’s OK. We don’t have to see it the same.
A remember a man who decided not to watch television. That’s what God was leading him to do. I said, you can make the rule for your life but you can’t enforce it on others. Pride comes by such things.
I’ve heard from people who think they are more spiritual because they pray a certain way. Or because they’re in a bigger church or because they’re in a smaller church. It’s just that whatever you do makes you better. There’s no pride there, right? I’m the best because I’m here. Now I’m the best because I’m there. What’s the common denominator? It’s not the place, it’s the pride.
It all comes down to the thinking of, “I’m better than you are”. Or unless you think like me, you’re not spiritual enough. You had better be Jesus before you think you’re better than anyone else.
Every human is created equal. Each person is made in the image of God. Jesus died for the sins of the entire world. You have value and who am I to ever put myself above another human being?
- Sign #3 – Craves Control
42 – 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.
The Gentile “lord it over them”. This verb “gives the sense of using lordship over people to their disadvantage and to one’s own advantage”. “Earthly leaders exercise top-heavy power, dominate their subjects, and use rank for self-importance. to lord it over, gain dominion over, subdue; in some contexts there is an implication that this exercise of authority is harsh”. It’s ugly!
Now the fact that he brings up rulers and people in high authority helps to point out the thinking of James and John. They want to rule. The overlords are controlling of what people do and think.
A clue could be – when you can’t stand hearing the word “no”. They want to call the shots so hearing NO is offensive. They see themselves as in charge and you’re not going to tell them anything. The greatest attacks on church are from Christians who insist on lording their own views over others! You tell them “no” and they would rather burn the church down than recognize another view.
Sometimes lording is seen in making heavy handed rules or regulations. I’m for enough rules to operate smoothly but against rules that will prohibit people from growing and following the Lord. I’m against rules that exist to make your life easier but makes it harder for all the volunteers. The overlords lose sight of the people.
You can’t enforce your own rules on people and especially when those rules are not supported in Scripture. There has to be freedom and a belief in the priesthood of all believers!
Sign #4 – Authority Replaces Relationships
They want “authority over” which portrays the act of exercising power in an overbearing, domineering manner. It implies a heavy-handed, oppressive, or self-serving use of authority rather than a helpful or servant-hearted leadership.
I believe that authority is very important to society and we should respect authority. Whether that’s a boss, a teacher, a coach, a youth group leader. We want to show respect.
Having a position of oversight that deserves respect is one thing. Flexing your muscle over people by using authority to show people you’re the boss, is not right. If I even think, I’ll SHOW YOU WHO’S BOSS and it’s in a context other than wrestling with my grandson, that’s a problem. If one has to show you that they’re your boss by domineering or being harsh rather than helpful, they’ve lost.
We use loving relationships to move people, not position. If you’re wondering why no one listens to you, it’s probably not because you’re not LOUD enough. It might be that you’re not loving enough. You really haven’t built a relationship with the people you hope to influence.
I’ve often thought that the second you have to tell someone to respect you, it’s over. You never ask for that, you earn it. If you have walk around with “authority” on your tshirt – that’s a problem.
Do I have authority? Sure. I look at authority like I do my .17 rifle. That’s something that I bring out when I need to shoot some destructive critter. However, I don’t take the gun to the grocery store. I don’t carry it to church. I don’t take it to sporting events. It stays out of sight until I need it.
When it comes to authority, that should be something that you seldomly use. If someone is doing something destructive or hurtful, sure. That’s the time to bring it out because you have to say, “knock it off”.
I’m far more apt to follow someone who is humble and working hard than someone barking orders. You want to move me, have a friendship with me. Don’t tell me what to do.
Galatians 5:13 – You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.
Back in the day, Batman and Robin were two characters that ever single kid watched on TV. Batman was the main guy and robin was second. I had a twin brother and he was a few minutes older and he used that to his advantage. He always had to be Batman. I had to be Robin. No one wanted to play Robin! It was better than not having a towel for a cape and running down the road. But everyone wanted to be BATMAN!
This is us at times. We want to be Batman and we need Jesus Christ to adjust our attitudes. We don’t always have to be Batman and Jesus is going to spell out the most important position in life.
- HUMILITY LIFTS OTHERS UP ABOVE SELF
Vv43-45 – “Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 45 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 Humble Serve
If you want to become great, serve. I wonder what the elite would think of this definition. Where some might define life and success by how many people work and serve you. We might equate greatness with making a ton of money or being a celebrity, or having lots of education. In God’s eyes, the great people are people who serve. This is a great thing because that means that anyone can be great in God’s eyes. It’s not about status or having the right name or being born into a rich family.
Servants were looked down on in Jesus day by the world. But God doesn’t look the way the world looks. Service is a big deal to him. We want to minister and help other people.
Part of that looked like helping widows in Acts 6. It might be giving to the poor.
1 Peter 4:10-11 – Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
The one caveat I might add here is to serve according to gifting. I’m not helping you if I’m fixing your car. I’m not helping the praise team if you put a guitar in my hand. I’m best serving when I’m using the talents that God gave me.
Be willing to use your talents to help out! When we did the roofing project, it’s awesome to have talented people there. Builders build. There is a community dinner and all kinds of great things happening. Serve!
I love how many volunteers we have. We are set on Christmas Program but I think there are two children’s ministries that could use help. One is junior church and the other is Adventure Club south.
- The Humble Puts Others First
Slave of all. If you want to be number one. Make sure you actually serve others. Putting yourself low is the path to being high.
This means we are considerate of those around us. I’m the slave of all. Those self-employed know what this is like. I have no boss. No, you have dozens of bosses. Every client is your boss!
I remember being the low man on the totem pole and that meant there was no one under me to do the lowest jobs that no one wanted to do. Like physically break a hole in the top of a clogged clay sewer pipe with a hammer and a chisel. That’s low man.
I hear at times that “Pastor Bill does what he wants”. The job dictates what you’re doing oftentimes. This time of year there are certain Bible study times. There are funerals and weddings. There are people in hospital. There is CR. You’re serving.
There is no doing whatever you want. Anymore than being a parent. Or a grandparent. Or helping in the church. Or coaching. You don’t control all aspects of your schedule. You just decide you want to participate in certain things and that’s what it takes.
When my children were younger, I did plenty of things that they wanted me to do. Same is true today. I do what they want me to do. I’m the slave – the lowest on the totem pole.
As soon as you’re on a team or in a group, you lose some autonomy because it’s more about what’s best for everyone than what’s best for you. You definitely have to work and stay after it.
Philippians 2:3-4 – Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
Consider others better than yourselves. Put them first above yourself. To function as a team you have to be considerate. But you’ll get a lot more done! Humility would certainly include listening. You could not possibly be a slave of all if you don’t listen.
It doesn’t mean that every voice should be heeded but you should listen. I will put people first, but I won’t put them ahead of the Word of God.
- The Humble Give Freely of Themselves
He didn’t come to be served but to serve. He gave his live as a ransom for many. Need this focus at home. It’s not about what you do for me and I don’t want to evaluate life that way. What do I do with you.
If anyone on the planet deserved to be served, it was Jesus. Jesus understood that the purpose for his life on earth was to serve others. And to give his life as a ransom for many. The ransom is the payment price. In secular Greco-Roman culture, lutron referred to the exact coin or payment used to release a prisoner of war, free a captive from bondage, or buy a slave off an auction block. You’re doing it to free them.
Jesus gave his life to buy our release from being slaves to sin. We’re not free from serving others but we are free from serving sin. Jesus served humanity by dying so that we can be living.
This one of the most stellar verses in all the Bible. He gave his life. He didn’t do it under compulsion. He wasn’t forced to do it. He did it out of his own free will. God loves a cheerful giver. He doesn’t want someone who is complaining about what he needs to do. When you serve, have a good attitude and give of your time freely. Make that a good experience for those around you.
We are not here to be served but to serve. You move from consumer to producer!
Are we putting others above ourselves or ourselves above others?