Mark 10:35-45

Introduction

Next Sunday we’ll be starting a new series looking at the 7 Deadly Sins, exploring how sin takes hold in our hearts, and how, through the grace we’ve been shown in Jesus, we can put sin to death and grow in godliness.

To help us prepare for the series, could you take a minute to share the following survey with the group and have everyone fill it in?
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSewrAi6ZHR-ifElbov8GtrcQzkofV3tpobDBgeUVHLNhEu4-w/viewform

Read: Mark 10:35-45

35 Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do for us whatever we ask.”

36 “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked.

37 They replied, “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.”

38 “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?”

39 “We can,” they answered.

Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with, 40 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.”

41 When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John. 42 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. 43 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 45 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.”

Discuss:

  1. What stands out to you most from this conversation between Jesus, James, and John?

  2. How does Jesus redefine what greatness looks like in God’s kingdom?

  3. What does this passage reveal about the character of Jesus?

  4. Why do you think the other disciples became angry with James and John?
    What does that reveal about their own hearts?

  5. Jesus says, “the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve.”
    How do we see that attitude throughout Jesus’ life and ministry?

  6. What does Jesus’ teaching on self-giving and sacrifical show about the nature of the gospel itself?

  7. How does knowing Jesus willingly suffered and sacrificed himself for us help us trust him with our own suffering, sacrifice, or service?

Apply

  1. Where are you most tempted to seek recognition, status, comfort, or control rather than quietly serving others?

  2. What might it look like this week to follow Jesus’ example of humble, sacrificial service in a practical way?

Prayer

Spend some time thanking Jesus for giving his life for us, and asking God to grow in us hearts that trust him deeply and reflect his humble, sacrificial love toward others.