
Even the Son of Man Did Not Come to be Served
Main Point: Instead of seeking positions of honor we should follow Jesus on the path of humility.
Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do for us whatever we ask.” “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked. —Mark 10:35-36
They replied, “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.”
“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?” “We can,” they answered. —Mark 10:37-39aJesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with, 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.” —Mark 10:39b-40
True greatness isn’t found in status; it’s found in sacrifice.
When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John. 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. 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. 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.” —Mark 10:41-45
If you want to lead, learn to serve. If you want to be first, embrace being last.
As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples, saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly.’ —Mark 11:1-3
Jesus doesn’t just teach this radical view of greatness—he demonstrates it.
They went and found a colt outside in the street, tied at a doorway. As they untied it, some people standing there asked, “What are you doing, untying that colt?” They answered as Jesus had told them to, and the people let them go. —Mark 11:4-6
When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted,
“Hosanna!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!” —Mark 11:7-10
The crowds in Jerusalem celebrated Jesus as a king, not realizing that His crown would be made of thorns.
Takeaway: Jesus knew He would hang on a cross before He sat on a throne.
Discussion Questions
Why do you think James and John asked to sit at Jesus’ right and left in his glory? What does this reveal about their understanding of Jesus’ kingdom?
Jesus contrasts worldly leadership with leadership in his kingdom. How does His definition of greatness challenge common ideas of success and power?
The disciples were focused on positions of honor, but Jesus focused on serving others. In what ways do we sometimes fall into the same trap of seeking recognition instead of serving?
The crowds in Jerusalem celebrated Jesus as a king, but they didn’t realize His crown would be made of thorns. How do people today misunderstand Jesus’ mission and kingdom?
Table Discussion Question: Jesus knew that the cross would come before the throne. How does this truth shape the way we approach hardships, sacrifices, or challenges in our own faith journey?