In the verses leading up to Mark 10:35-45, Jesus has just outmaneuvered the religious leaders' questions once more, welcomed little children, and had a hard discussion with a rich young ruler regarding the impossibilities of someone following God without giving up everything and totally depending on God for their salvation.
Jesus then explains, for the third time, that He is going to die, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem. The Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death. Then they will hand him over to the Gentiles and they will mock him, spit on him, flog him, and kill him, and he will rise after three days.” (Mark 10:33-34 CSB)
Yet the disciples were seemingly oblivious to what He was saying. Immediately, two of the disciples, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, approached Him. They wanted to make sure they got the jump on all the other disciples regarding status when Jesus took power.
You and your group will learn a great deal regarding position, status, and success as you guide the study of the dialogue between Jesus, James and John, and the other disciples.
Consider closing your session with these ideas that are included in the downloadable teaching ideas:
Challenge:
- It is easy for us to say as John and James did, “we are able.” We live in a culture that makes it easy for us to say that as well.
- We live in a country where following Jesus is still relatively easy. Our sacrifices are minimal compared to those of other followers around the world.
- Consider those Christians who were killed on Easter Sunday in Sri Lanka or believers who have recently been killed in other regions of the world such as Nigeria. They willingly followed Jesus and paid the ultimate price.
Consider:
- Do we really understand that following Jesus means we are to be servants for and slaves of Jesus Christ?
- Following Jesus is not about gaining success, becoming prestigious, or becoming some “super-Christian.”
- Do we really understand that, to be a servant, we will do ANYTHING and EVERYTHING to please our Master?
- Do we understand that, as a servant and, yes, even a slave of Christ, one will face difficulties?
Respond:
- How can we give evidence to our culture today, that we are slaves of and servants for Jesus Christ?
- Consider what needs to change in your behavior, attitudes, or actions in order to better portray a person who willingly serves others in the name of Jesus Christ.
