BIG PICTURE: The struggle for power and control manifests itself in many forms. When used improperly, power destroys. When appropriately harnessed it can bring the greatest joy and produce rewards that stretch into eternity. Jesus revealed the secret – servanthood.

TEXT: Mark 10:35-45

KEY VERSE: Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.– Mark 10:43-33

**THE POWER TRAP

Power – “possession of control, authority, or influence over

.” [Merriam/Webster].

The struggle for power and

is real.

THE BEST WAY TO THE TOP

Mark 10:35-45
**35 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. 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. 43 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.”*

“

.”

You must

the system and reprogram your thinking.

The Kingdom’s “secret pathway” to the top is found in

.

Greatness is defined by how you positively

and influence others.

NEXT STEPS:How do you see the trap of power and control in life? How have you experienced the joy of serving? Who might the Holy Spirit be leading you to serve (especially during the holidays)?