Day 38: Jesus came to serve and give His life
The first time Jesus told His disciples He was going to be rejected and killed, Peter tried to talk Him out of it (Mark 8:32). The second time Jesus taught His disciples He was going to be rejected and killed, His disciples started arguing about which of them was the greatest (Mark 9:34). Yesterday, we looked at the third time Jesus predicted His death, and today we’ll see that once again, His disciples react by trying to defend their own importance.
In verse 35, who came to Jesus with a request?
What was their request (v. 37)?
Sitting next to a king on his right was the place of greatest honor and authority. That spot would often be taken by the son and heir of the king or by his top adviser. Sitting on the king’s left would be the next best place.
How does Jesus respond to this request at the beginning of verse 38?
What two questions does Jesus ask them (v. 38)?
In the Old Testament, the cup of the Lord symbolized His judgment on sin. Drinking that cup meant facing terrible suffering. When Jesus talks about baptism here, He is also using it as a picture of His suffering and death. He will come into His glory by going to the cross.
How do James and John respond to Jesus’ questions (v. 39)?
How does Jesus respond in verse 39?
Later in Mark, we’ll see Jesus sharing a special cup with His disciples (Mark 14:23–24). We also know that James and John both went on to suffer for their faith in Jesus. In fact, we read about James being executed in Acts 12:1–2. In one sense, they would share in Jesus’ suffering. But Jesus says He cannot give James and John the places they have asked for.
How do the other disciples react when they hear about James and John’s request (v. 41)?
To be “indignant” means to be annoyed or angry because you think you’ve been treated unfairly.
In response, Jesus calls them together to teach them. How does Jesus describe how the rulers of the Gentiles act (v. 42)?
How does Jesus say that leaders in His kingdom must be different (vv. 43–44)?
Why does Jesus say that leaders in His kingdom must serve everyone else, not expect everyone else to serve them (v. 45)?
The word “ransom” means a payment to get someone set free. The original Greek word was often used to describe a payment made to free a slave. Jesus is the Son of Man—the rightful ruler over all the world—but He didn’t come to be served. He came to serve and to give His life as a payment for our freedom.
Mark 10:45 is an extremely important verse in Mark’s gospel. Write it down and see if you can memorize it!
“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 10:45)
Jesus is the GOAT. But He came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life for us!
Praise Jesus that He was willing to serve us by dying in our place. Pray that He would help you not to be like James and John, who wanted the top spots in His kingdom, but instead to be like Jesus Himself, who was willing to serve others.