Jesus Redefined Greatness Forever | Mark 10:35-45

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Today's shout-out goes to Mike Howells from Lakeville, MN. Thank you for your partnership with us through Project23. You’re helping spread God’s Word to hearts that are hungry for truth. This one’s for you.

Our text today is Mark 10:35-45:

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.” And he said to them, “What do you want me to do for you?” And they said to him, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” 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?” 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, 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. 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. 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. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” — Mark 10:35-45

They asked for thrones. Jesus pointed them to a cross.

James and John want glory seats. They want to have status next to Jesus in His kingdom. But they don’t understand what kind of King he is—or what kind of kingdom he’s bringing.

Jesus gently pushes back. “You don’t know what you’re asking.” He speaks of a cup of suffering. A baptism of pain. He’s not headed for a throne just yet. First, he’ll serve. Then, he’ll bleed. Last, he’ll give his life. And then Jesus delivers one of the most explicit mission statements in all of Scripture. His mission. One worth pursuing that's better than a seat on the right and left of the throne:

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

In a world obsessed with climbing the ladder, Jesus sees his mission differently. The path to true greatness is not up—it’s down.

Down into humility.
Down into service.
Down into sacrifice.

And here’s the irony: the greatest person in the room is telling the secret to descending into greatness.

So, stop chasing a name for yourself and start serving the Name above all names. Don’t ask, “How high can I rise?” Instead ask, “How low can I go—for Jesus?”

#ServeLikeJesus, #TrueGreatness, #Project23

ASK THIS:

What are some subtle ways you chase status or recognition?
Why do you think Jesus connects suffering with greatness?
How does Jesus redefine leadership and authority in this passage?
What is one practical way you can serve someone today?
DO THIS:
Serve someone today without needing thanks. Just do it—for Jesus.

PRAY THIS:
Jesus, I confess that I chase status and recognition. Help me embrace true greatness—humble, sacrificial, and patterned after you. Amen.

PLAY THIS:
“Jesus, Son of God” by Chris Tomlin.