James and John’s statement reveals their hearts and ours: that deep down, we want to be lord over Jesus.
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.” —Mark 10:35
Despite seeing and being with Jesus for three years, witnessing and participating in Jesus’ miracles, all his disciples desired more for power, authority and greatness more than the mission of God.
And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant at James and John. —Mark 10:41
Worldly leadership is about domination, oppression, and control.
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. —Mark 10:42
Jesus redefines true leadership as humble service and sacrifice.
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 10:43-45
Jesus calls us, as his disciples, to be sacrificial servant leaders.
Be aware. Stop and engage.
And they came to Jericho. And as he was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a great crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the roadside. 47 And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 48 And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” And Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart. Get up; he is calling you.” And throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. —Mark 10:46-50
Humbly serve and invite Jesus to serve them.
And Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” And the blind man said to him, “Rabbi, let me recover my sight.” —Mark 10:51
Sacrifice our control and trust God with the outcome.
And Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him on the way. —Mark 10:52
Discipleship Guide
Let’s Talk About It
When we don’t see Jesus clearly, we’re not able to follow him fully. James and John’s statement reveals their hearts and ours: that deep down, we want to be lord over Jesus. We don’t want to just follow Jesus, we want to lead Him. Despite seeing and being with Jesus for three years, witnessing and participating in Jesus’ miracles, all his disciples desired more for power, authority and greatness than the mission of God. Jesus uses this moment to teach his disciples that the world’s way of leadership is domination, oppression, and control, but He redefines true leadership as humble service and sacrifice. Jesus calls us, as his disciples, to be sacrificial servant leaders. So, let’s be aware of people, then stop and engage them. Let’s humbly serve and invite Jesus to serve them. Then let’s sacrifice our control and trust God with the outcome.
Mark 10:35-52; Ephesians 6:4
Discussion questions:
Which part of the message impacted or challenged you?
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Read Mark 10:35. Share a time when you didn’t want to just follow Jesus, but wanted to lead him? What did it sound like in your prayers or actions?
Mark 10:42. Worldly leadership is about domination, oppression, and control. Where have you seen this in our culture and our world?
Mark 10:43-45. Jesus redefines true leadership as humble service and sacrifice. What does it practically look like for you to humbly serve your family, church, and community? What might you have to sacrifice to serve others?
Read Mark 10:52. Share a time when you tried to control the outcome of a situation? What happened and what did you learn? How might choosing to trust God with the outcome be a better option than to control the situation?
Jesus has the power to change your life. How has Jesus changed your life from being caught up in worldly leadership to becoming a humble servant leader?
Take a Step
- Take a moment this week to ask God, “Am I a sacrificial servant leader? Take time to slow down and be quiet before the Lord. Write down anything God speaks to you and pray and meditate on that this week. Also, take moments to ask God to be aware of anyone who needs help and offer to serve them.
Here’s My Prayer
Lord, thank You for your calling for me to be a sacrificial servant leader. God, I want to become who You want me to be. Help me to be aware of those who need help and give me the strength to be proactive to serve them by Your Holy Spirit. May You be glorified and honored. In Jesus name, amen.