Mark 10:35-45 - The path to true greatness is to be a servant

35 James and John, the sons of Zebedee, approached him. 'Master,' they said to him, 'We want you to do us a favour.'36 He said to them, 'What is it you want me to do for you?'37 They said to him, 'Allow us to sit one at your right hand and the other at your left in your glory.'38 But Jesus said to them, 'You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the cup that I shall drink or be baptized with the baptism with which I shall be baptised?'39 They replied, 'We can.' Jesus said to them, 'The cup that I shall drink you shall drink, and with the baptism with which I shall be baptized you shall be baptised,40 but as for seats at my right hand or my left, these are not mine to grant; they belong to those to whom they have been allotted.'41 When the other ten heard this they began to feel indignant with James and John,42 so Jesus called them to him and said to them, 'You know that among the gentiles those they call their rulers lord it over them, and their great men make their authority felt.43 Among you this is not to happen. No; anyone who wants to become great among you must be your servant,44 and anyone who wants to be first among you must be slave to all.45 For the Son of man himself came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.'

THE SERMON

Today’s Gospel reading from Mark presents us with a powerful lesson about true greatness and the nature of leadership in the Kingdom of God. We encounter James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who come to Jesus with a bold request: to sit at His right and left in glory. Their desire reflects a common human ambition for power and recognition, a yearning to be elevated above others. But Jesus responds with profound insight, turning their worldly expectations on their heads.

When Jesus asks if they can drink the cup He will drink and be baptized with the baptism He will undergo, He invites them into a deeper understanding of discipleship. The cup symbolizes suffering, sacrifice, and the trials He will endure. James and John respond confidently, "We can." Yet, they do not fully grasp the weight of what they are asking. Jesus assures them that they will indeed share in His suffering, a promise that speaks to the realities of those who follow Him.

As followers of Christ, we, too, are called to partake in His sufferings. Discipleship is not merely about sharing in the glory but also embracing the challenges and sacrifices that come with it. It’s a reminder that true leadership and greatness are not devoid of struggle; they often emerge from the very depths of our trials and tribulations.

When the other disciples express indignation at James and John's request, Jesus seizes the moment to teach them about the radical nature of His Kingdom. He contrasts the behaviors of worldly rulers, who seek power and dominance, with the call to servanthood that He extends to His followers. "Anyone who wants to become great among you must be your servant," He says. This flips our understanding of greatness upside down.

In our world, greatness is often equated with authority, accolades, and status. But Jesus reveals that in His Kingdom, true greatness is found in serving others. It’s a profound truth that challenges us to reflect on our motivations and desires. Are we seeking to climb the ladder of success for our own glory, or are we willing to kneel in service to lift others up?

Jesus doesn’t just teach us about servanthood; He exemplifies it. He came not to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many. Here lies the ultimate model of leadership: sacrificial love. The Son of God, who holds all authority, chose the path of humility and service. He washed His disciples’ feet, He healed the sick, and ultimately, He laid down His life for us.

As we reflect on this passage, let us ask ourselves: How can we embody this spirit of service in our lives? In our families, our workplaces, and our communities? Are we willing to set aside our ambitions for the sake of others? Can we seek to serve rather than to be served?

Dear friends, the call to discipleship is a call to a radical way of living. It invites us to embrace both the challenges of the journey and the joy of serving others. As we strive for greatness in our lives, let us remember that it is found in the humble act of service. May we be inspired by the example of Christ, who showed us that true leadership lies not in the power we wield, but in the love we share.

Let us pray for the strength to follow His example, to drink the cup He offers, and to be servants to all.