Mark 10:35-40 describes how James and John asked Jesus if they could have the best seats next to Him when He came into His glory. Let’s not dwell on their request too long, though, and pick up in verse 41, which describes the reaction of the other disciples.
When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John.
Mark 10:41 NIV
https://bible.com/bible/111/mrk.10.41.NIV
A commentator [Black, p.190] suggested that the anger of the other apostles meant that they wanted the top roles in Jesus’ kingdom for themselves. Whether or not that was the case, perhaps someone with a servant attitude would have encouraged Jesus to place others (and not themselves) into these roles of high honor. However, as usual, Jesus had something greater than personal ambition to teach them.
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 10:42-45 NIV
https://bible.com/bible/111/mrk.10.42-45.NIV
If you’ve been following along with this study (or if you know the book of Mark well), you might be thinking that this is at least the third time in the Gospel of Mark that Jesus explained how the greatest in the kingdom of God should be a servant to others. This tells me that it’s really important. And, if the disciples needed to hear it multiple times, we probably do, too.
- Are you arguing with other people about whether you or they are the “greatest”: the best cook, the best at a sport, the best co-worker, the best Christian? Remember that greatness in the Kingdom that matters doesn’t come through worldly acclaim, but by serving others. Those who seem like your “competition” in this world might very well be those to whom you need to reach out and serve.
- Are you asking God for special treatment, because you feel like you deserve it? Stop to count your blessings and see just how great it is to be following Jesus. Consider that you and I were lost in our sins, and it was impossible for us to be reconciled to God without His help. Remember that – upon accepting Jesus – He brought us into His family, even after we had sinned against Him. Think about how great God’s love for you is, and then remember that we show love for Jesus by obeying Him, including loving our neighbor.
- Are you looking at other people and thinking that they have so much more influence than you, because of their money, role, or authority? Remember who the ultimate authority is over this universe, and consider how Jesus became a servant to lowly human beings like us. Be honest: Do we want to be more like the secular rich and famous, or more like Jesus?
If any of these are a challenge (and, let’s be honest, the human condition pulls us towards wanting to build ourselves up, or to have others give us a boost), may we be reminded to think like Jesus, instead: the One who loved people and served them (even those who society overlooked, ignored, or actively rejected). And, when we do so, let’s also remember that God can take care of the rest.
- If you worry about where your church, your city, or your country is going, love and serve others in Jesus’ name. At worst, you’ll be part of the solution.
- If you feel like someone else is getting better treatment than you, invest in them and bless them as God calls you to. Trust that God loves you, too.
- If you are frustrated that you’re not as popular as someone else in the church, pray for them and ask them how you can help. Your help could enable them to lead even more people to Jesus.
If serving others and not seeking one’s own acclaim was good enough for Jesus, it is more than good enough for His followers. May we – like Jesus – allow God the Father to decide who we are, and to let Him evaluate how good of a job that we are doing here on earth. Our works don’t earn us our salvation, but I believe that they can earn us God’s recognition. Let’s seek that, instead of worldly cheers, today.
From Sunday School lesson prepared for November 9, 2025
References:
- Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
- The College Press NIV Commentary – Mark, by Allen Black. © 1995 College Press Publishing Co.
Those Who Sin Differently 