Who is the Greatest in the Kingdom?

IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Who is the Greatest in the Kingdom?

Date: May. 23, 2016

Passage

Mark 10:32-45 (ESV)

32 And they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them. And they were amazed, and those who followed were afraid. And taking the twelve again, he began to tell them what was to happen to him, 33 saying, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death and deliver him over to the Gentiles. 34 And they will mock him and spit on him, and flog him and kill him. And after three days he will rise.”

35 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.” 36 And he said to them, “What do you want me to do for you?” 37 And they said to him, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” 38 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?” 39 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, 40 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.” 41 And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant at James and John. 42 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. 43 But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

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Daily Bread

Key Verse: 10:45

First, the way to glory (32-40). Jesus led the way to Jerusalem, knowing fully well that he would be arrested, tortured, and killed. On the third day, he would rise. The crowds were afraid and the disciples were astonished that Jesus would willingly go to Jerusalem. It shows our Lord's character - his love and his courage. It was in this context that James and John came to Jesus and presented their request: "Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory." But to be identified with Christ in glory is to be identified with him in his suffering as well. Jesus said that they didn't know what they were asking for. These places of honor re for whom the Father chooses.

Second, who is the greatest? (41-45). Naturally, the other ten disciples thought James and John were being very presumptuous and they became indignant with them. They all wanted to be the greatest. But the greatest is the one who is most like Jesus, who came not to be served, but to serve. The greatest is the one who gives his life for others, following the example of our Lord on the cross.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, forgive us for our worldly ambitions. Give us a heart like yours to love and serve others.

One Word: The Son of Man came to serve

Fallen Babylon

Revelation 18:1-24

Key Verse: 18:4

Today's Question

What does the third commandment require?

See answer and references