JESUS’ SERVANT LEADERSHIP

Mark 10:32-52, Key Verse: 10:45

“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.”

1. What made the disciples astonished and those who followed afraid (32)? What progressive revelation did Jesus share about his death and resurrection (33-34; 8:31-32; 9:12; 9:31-32)?

2. What might have motivated James and John’s request (35, 37)? What can you learn about Jesus from his response (36, 38-39)? To what do “cup” and “baptism” refer? What did Jesus invite them to share? Why was their request not granted (40)?

3. Why were the ten indignant with James and John (41)? How did Jesus describe the mindset of worldly rulers (42)? How must his disciples be different (43-44)? What does it mean to be “servant” and “the slave of all” (Php 2:3; 1 Pe 5:2-3)?

4. Read verse 45. Who is “the Son of Man” (Rev 5:12)? What does “even” imply (Jn 13:14-15)? What does “give his life as a ransom for many” mean? What is the significance of Jesus’ example for the Christian community?

5. On what basis did Bartimaeus beg Jesus’ mercy (46-47)? How did he overcome people’s interference (48)? How did Jesus serve him (49-52)? What can we learn about Jesus from this event?

JESUS’ SERVANT LEADERSHIP

Mark 10:32-52, Key Verse: 10:45

“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.”

In the last passage, we learned that everything done for Jesus and the gospel will be counted. When we sacrifice for the sake of Jesus, we will not lose anything but gain much more, 100 times as much. This is the most secure and best investment of our lives that we can make on earth. Yet, this amazing and sure blessing comes with a warning: “But many who are first will be last, and the last first.” We should not be self-righteous, nor should we be complacent. How long we have met Jesus does not matter but how much we live for Jesus and the gospel matters. As Jesus said to the rich young ruler, may God help each one of us to make a decision to throw off one thing that hinders us from following Jesus! 

In today’s passage, Jesus predicts his suffering, death and resurrection again. But the disciples were not listening to Jesus but asking what they wanted. But they did not know what they were asking for. To these immature disciples, Jesus teaches his life key verse. In the following passage, Jesus met one nagging blind man. Jesus asked him the same question, “What do you want me to do for you?” Unlike the disciples, he knew what he wanted clearly. Jesus blessed his faith and healed him. May God help us to know what we need, not want according to our natural desire. What do you want Jesus to do for you? 

I.  Even the Son of God (32-45). 

Look at verse 32. “They were on their way up to Jerusalem, with Jesus leading the way, and the disciples were astonished, while those who followed were afraid.” Jesus and the disciples were going up to Jerusalem. In Jerusalem, Jesus knew what was going to happen. Immense suffering and death were waiting for him. The disciples also knew something, at least they knew that severe persecution was waiting for Jesus and them, possibly being killed. (John 11:16) Jesus was also saying again and again that something bad would happen to him in Jerusalem. (8:31-32; 9:12; 9:31-32) But the reaction toward suffering between Jesus and the disciples was very different. Jesus was leading the way, while the disciples were afraid. The disciples really did not want to go there due to fear, but they were following reluctantly just because Jesus was leading. The disciples were amazed at the attitude of Jesus, how eager he was, as if he was going to do something great in Jerusalem. They could not understand the reason why Jesus was so eager. To them, persecution, suffering and death are bad and the last thing they want to confront. They want to be welcomed by everyone and live an easy life with glory and honor in the world. Why and how could Jesus be so positive confronting upcoming suffering and death? It was because Jesus knew that it’s worthy to give all. What was going to happen would bring salvation for all peoples on earth. Jesus knew that it was the will of God. In his humility, he was obedient to God. 

Moreover, Jesus had to prepare the disciples for the time of cross. Though the disciples had not been listening to his message, Jesus did not give up teaching them. Again and again he took the Twelve aside and told them what was going to happen to him. Look at verses 33-34. At this time, Jesus emphasized his suffering in detail. He will be delivered over to the religious leaders, who will condemn him to death and hand him over to the Gentiles, who will mock him and spit on him, flog him and finally kill him. To the fearful disciples, Jesus’ vivid description of suffering seems too much to take, almost torment. But Jesus was teaching an important lesson; greater glory comes with greater suffering. After his horrible suffering and death, Jesus will rise again in three days. Jesus will destroy the power of sin and death through his resurrection. Only through faith in his death and resurrection, the disciples will be able to overcome fear and become powerful servants of God with the hope of eternal kingdom. At this moment, the disciples could not understand, but in God’s time, they truly understood. In fact, Peter wrote in his letter, saying, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an in inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade…. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials…. You are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” (1 Pe 1:3-9)

Did the disciples accept Jesus’ third attempt? Look at verse 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.” The disciples were full of themselves and their dream, but Jesus did not ignore them. He wanted to hear what they have to say. 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.” This pattern repeats: Jesus teaches the disciples his suffering, death and resurrection, and the disciples talk about their earthly hope. This time, James and John started. They did not listen to Jesus’ message, but were thinking about only what they hoped, expected and wanted. Jesus should have rebuked them severely until they cried with tears. He should have said, “Three strikes, so you are out!” Amazingly, however, Jesus did not rebuke the disciples who were stubbornly not accepting his message. With long-suffering patience, he was teaching. Look at verse 38a. “You don’t know what you are asking,” James and John did not know what Jesus was going to do in Jerusalem. They thought that Jesus was going to establish his earthly messianic kingdom like King David. They very boldly came to Jesus and expressed what they wanted. They wanted to be the most powerful men in the earthly kingdom of Jesus. But the kingdom Jesus was going to establish is not an earthly but heavenly one. It is the kingdom where God rules. It is the kingdom of God in the hearts of all believers. They did not know what they were asking. So Jesus said. “Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?” In order to be great men in the kingdom of God, they need two things. First, they need to drink the cup Jesus will drink. Here the cup is the cup of Jesus’ mission with suffering and death. Just as Jesus drinks, they must be willing to take the cup of God’s mission, even if that involves suffering and death. 

Secondly, they need to be baptized, as Jesus was baptized with the Holy Spirit. How could they receive the Holy Spirit? Acts 2:38 says, “Repent and be baptized, everyone of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, the disciples need to repent of their sins, earthly glory seeking desire and receive forgiveness and the gift of the Holy Spirit. With the power of the Holy Spirit, they can overcome the fear of death and become powerful servants of God who can be considered great in the sight of God.

What was the response of James and John? “We can,” they answered. I don’t think they really knew what Jesus was talking about. With ignorant faith, they answered, yet it was prophetic. 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.” As the disciples answered, “we can,” they will truly receive the cup of suffering and the Holy Spirit. They will even die for Christ and the gospel. But the glorious seat in God’s kingdom is not for Jesus to grant. It is God’s sovereign choice. It is for the person who has been prepared by God. God is preparing the person in his way, so that he or she can be the servant of God, whom God will use for his world salvation plan. 

What about the other disciples? Look at verse 41. When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John. It is because they had the same desire as John and James. They thought that James and John cut the line and took their chances unfairly. Again, Jesus did not rebuke them for their closed ears but was teaching them the biblical concept of a great man, the concept of servant leadership. Look at verses 42-44. “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.” This has the same message as Jesus gave in Mark 9:35. But this time, Jesus exposed their inner sinful desire. They wanted to be like the rulers of the world. The rulers of the world suppress and oppress people with their power. They lord heavy burdens over their subordinates with their authority. They do not care for what their own people, even their own family members, who are going through sufferings in life if they can satisfy their desire and keep their position. For example, King Herod killed babies two years and younger in order to get rid of a political opponent and later killed his own relatives, just as many rulers have done throughout history, including Kim Jung-il in North Korea. Of course, the disciples would say that they will never be like the King Herod, but their mentality was not different from that of rulers of this world. With that same kind of mentality, they are in danger of becoming one of the worldly rulers. Jesus wanted them to change their mindset. 

The disciples should be different from the rulers of the world. They should be a servant, even slave of all. Jesus wanted them to have the mindset of a servant, instead of that of worldly rulers. A servant or slave has two very important attitudes. First, serve with humility. A servant is the lowest position in the world. Servants are not ruling over but ready to listen and serve the master. They cannot be proud but humble in serving. After serving their master, they will say “I have done only what I should have done.” Secondly, obey with absolute attitude. They listen to what the master says. They not only listen but also obey the master with an absolute attitude. The best servants are those who know their master’s heart and fill his needs. Truly great men are not people with high positions in this world. Truly great men are not rulers who abuse their power and authority, lording it over others. Truly great men are serving others with humility and absolute obedience toward God’s calling. With the humility and absolute attitude, the disciples should serve the flocks of God’s sheep under their care. 

Jesus continued teaching the disciples how to be great in the sight of God through his own example. Look at verse 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.” Jesus not only said that they should be servants of all, but that he himself also lived as a servant with humility and absolute attitude toward God’s calling. Jesus is the Son of God Almighty. He has the honor and glory, power and authority in heaven, but he disowned them all and came down to this world as a helpless baby in a manger. Why? He did not demand people to honor and glorify him, even though he deserved it all, rightfully so. Rather, he humbled himself and served sinners. Jesus served these 12 unlearning and arrogant disciples, bearing all their weaknesses and sinful desires. Moreover, he came not only to serve but also to give his life as a ransom sacrifice. It is not for the righteous people but for incorrigible sinners who deserve God’s wrath and punishment for their sins. In order to save them from God’s punishment for their sins, he is paying his own life so that they can enter into the kingdom of God by faith in his sacrifice. Thank you Jesus for your humility and sacrifice! Thank you Jesus for your exemplary servantship with an absolute attitude toward God’s will! 

If even the Messiah did not come to be served, how much more the disciples should have not desired to be served but to serve. Their master Jesus served them with humility and love. In order to save them, Jesus had to suffer and die on the cross. That is the way and life the disciples should live, if they want to be the greatest. This is the way to follow for all who desire to be great in the sight of God. Philippians 2:5-8 teaches us what kind of attitude we should have, saying, “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus; Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death-even death on a cross!” May God bless each one of us to be great in the sight of God as we serve others, even strangers, with Jesus’ humility and absolute attitude. Amen!

2. I Want to See (46-52). 

Look at verse 46-47. Jericho was a prominent city which was located about 10-12 miles east of Jerusalem. There was a blind beggar who probably sitting at the entrance of the city, saying, “Alms for the blind,” with the most pitiful voice. People did not call him by his own name but called him Bartimaeus, son of Timaeus. Maybe he did not have his own name, or people would not care for his name. In any case, his existence was less than nothing to the people, who only felt burdened about whether they should throw a coin or not. Most people were passing by him without noticing him except a few throwing a coin or two.

But when the blind beggar heard that Jesus was passing by, he heard what people were talking about. It was Jesus who healed many including blind men. He wanted to go and meet Jesus, but he could not because he could not see. It was only his wish and prayer to meet Jesus. As soon as he heard that Jesus’ presence was near enough, his hope erupted, shouting, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Many people were disturbed by his loud voice. So they all joined together, saying, “Shut up!” Probably Bartimaeus was intimidated by many people yelling at him. Usually, a person becomes quiet when many people stand against him or her, even if they have freedom of speech. But he did not stop, but rather shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy one me!” It could be his one and only chance.

What was Jesus’ response to the disturbing blind beggar? Look at verse 49-51. Jesus asked him the same question as he asked James and John, “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus does not ignore anyone’s request. He listens to each one of us like a servant when we pray and asks, “What do you want me to do for you?” Thank you, Jesus, that you do not ignore our petition and request. 

What was the request of the blind man? Look at verse 51. “The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.” The profession of the blind man was a beggar, begging people to have pity on him and spare some change. When he got some money in his pocket, he could go and buy something to eat. If he had a family, he could be very happy to provide some food. But when no one threw a coin at him, he was miserable due to his hungry stomach, probably cursing God for his unfortunate fate and people for their selfishness and unmerciful heart. Out of two holes endless tears overflowed on his face. He could have asked Jesus for unlimited fish sandwiches or a lot of money which could provide him food to the end of his life. But he asked Jesus one thing: vision. What could vision do for him? Even if his stomach was full, he would not be truly happy without vision. He is greatly limited doing anything without seeing. It was his fundamental problem in life. Due to his blindness, he could not see what is going on around himself. He could not see who was robbing him when someone threw a coin. He could not get a regular job at that time and live a normal life. What he really needed was not money but vision. He knew what he needed clearly, and asked Jesus, “I want to see.” With clear vision, he could do what God really wanted him to do.

What did Jesus do for him? Look at verse 52. “’Go,’ said Jesus, ‘your faith has healed you.’ Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.” Jesus blessed his faith, confirming that his faith healed him. Through his faith, he received sight. What kind of faith did the blind man have? He had faith in the power of Jesus’ healing. He had faith in Jesus’ mercy. Even if many people would reject him, Jesus would accept him and his request. It was his earnest prayer. Through his faith, he overcome intimidation of people who tried to stop him. Most of all, he had faith of knowing what he really needed, thus he received what he asked for.

Let’s compare this blind man with the disciples. The disciples followed Jesus, but they became blind spiritually due to their carnal desires. Though they had eyes, they could not see what Jesus was doing. Jesus performed miracles, feeding 5,000 people with 5 loaves and two fish, and 4,000 people with 7 seven loaves and a few fish, but they were still worrying about bread. Due to their blindness, they could not hear the most important gospel message, Jesus’ suffering, death and resurrection. They heard it over and over again but could not connect it to their lives; what it was supposed to mean to them. So they were constantly fighting against each other with the topic, “Who is the greatest?” When Jesus asked James and John, “What do you want me to do for you?”, they requested something they did not know. What should they have asked for? They should have asked, “Teacher, open our spiritual eyes to see what you are doing and ears to hear your message. Help us to understand why should you suffer, die and rise again. What do these things mean to us?” What the disciples needed was not the positions but the servantship. They need to repent of their sins and accept the true meaning of the gospel, Jesus’ suffering death and resurrection. 

Knowing what we need is not an easy thing. Here is another good of example of one who knew what he needed. Solomon became a king after King David. But there were many enemies and he was so fearful that he made allies with Pharaoh, King of Egypt, through a royal marriage. Finally, he came to God at Gibeon, offering sacrifices and prayers. After he made 1,000 burnt offerings, God appeared to him and said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” Solomon answered, “So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?” God was pleased with Solomon’s request of wisdom instead of enemies’ death or wealth for himself. Then God blessed him abundantly. (1 King 3:1-16) Often what we really need is not tangible things but intangible. May God bless each one of us to request what we need; inner growth more than outside, how to fish more than fish itself! Amen!

Through today’s passage, we learned why Jesus came to this world. Even the Son of God did not come to be served but to serve and give his life as a ransom for many. The servantship of Jesus Christ is calling for all Christians to follow, especially those who desire to be great in the sight of God. While on earth we want many things, often tangible things, and whine when God does not give. May God help us to know what we need in order to open our spiritual blindness and ask his mercy, so that we may be healed and blessed with God’s vision. May God bless each one of us to be great men and women in the sight of God as we serve each other with Jesus’ humility and sacrificial love! Amen!

Through today’s passage, we learned why Jesus came to this world. Even the Son of God did not come to be served but to serve and give his life as a ransom for many. The servantship of Jesus Christ is a calling for all Christians to follow, especially those who desire to be great in the sight of God. While on earth we want many things, often tangible things, and whine when God does not give them to us. May God help us to know what we need in order to see our spiritual blindness and ask his mercy, so that we may be healed and blessed with God’s vision. May God bless each one of us to be great men and women in the sight of God as we serve each other with Jesus’ humility and sacrificial love! Amen!