Why We Serve

James and John approached Jesus, asking, “Allow us to sit at your right and at your left in your glory.” This question comes just after Jesus has spoken plainly about His coming suffering, rejection, and death. What the disciples struggled with then is the same thing every generation of Christians must confront. What Jesus teaches redefines greatness, reshapes leadership, and roots service in the very heart of the gospel. Until we understand why we serve, we will never fully embrace the life Christ calls us to live.

1. How the World Defines Greatness

   1. Mark 10:42: You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in high positions act as tyrants over them.

      1. In the world, Greatness is measured by position and authority.

   2. Mark 10:42: those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in high positions act as tyrants over them. In the world system, power flows downward, not outward.

   3. Worldly leadership is self-focused. It exists for the leader.

      1. Worldly leadership asks, “How does this role benefit me?”

      2. Kingdom leaders ask: “Who is helped by this?”

2. A Line of Distinction Between the World and the Kingdom

   1. Mark 10:43a: But it is not so among you. …

      1. The kingdom of God does not run parallel to the world. It runs in the opposite direction.

      2. This is personal. But it is not so among you. …

   2. We must reject worldly thinking. With Jesus, there is no such thing as a Christianized version of domination, status, or control.

3. The Kingdom Redefines Greatness

   1. Mark 10:43b: On the contrary, whoever wants to become great among you will be your servant,

      1. It is inherent to the human condition to have a desire: to matter; for significance; to make a difference. Jesus wants to take our ambition and turn it outward.

   2. Greatness is measured by service, not status.

      1. 10:43b: But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant,

         1. “servant”: someone who meets needs without drawing attention to himself.

      2. 10:44: and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all.

         1. Greatness is not about being over others — it is about being available to others.

   3. Jesus does not attach age, tenure, or convenience clauses here.

      1. Mark 10:43: On the contrary, whoever wants to become great among you will be your servant

   4. Jesus exposes our motives: “Do I want to be useful or important?”

4. Jesus is the Reason We Serve

   1. Jesus redefines power through sacrifice: 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.

      1. Jesus contrasts two ideas: being served and serving others. Jesus willingly gave Himself.

   2. Mark 10:45: Jesus came to give his life as a ransom for many. This is “why” He serves.

      1. This fact is what keeps us from becoming self-righteous.

      2. Every act of service flows from gratitude, not guilt!

   3. Service is not an attempt to repay Jesus. We cannot repay the ransom.

5. As We Close..

   1. This is a vision for life. Not a life where greatness is measured by how high you rise, but by how willingly you serve.

   2. The same Jesus who gave His life as a ransom — now lives to strengthen you. He gave his life as a ransom for many — and that invitation is still open. Today is the day to come to Him!