Thinking Biblically

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Tag: serving

A Life of Surrender – Mark 10:32-45

November 20, 2023 /

Sermon Text: Mark 10:32-45

Sermon Video

Outline

Following Jesus requires us to sacrifice for others (32-34)

Following Jesus requires us to put off selfishness (35-37)

Following Jesus requires us to suffer (38-41)

Following Jesus requires us to serve others (42-45)

Sermon Notes

Jesus is on his way to the cross and he is calling his disciples and the crowds to follow him.

What does it look like to follow Jesus by surrendering to him and serving others?

Following Jesus requires us to sacrifice for others (32-34)

32 And they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them. And they were amazed, and those who followed were afraid. And taking the twelve again, he began to tell them what was to happen to him, 33 saying, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death and deliver him over to the Gentiles. 34 And they will mock him and spit on him, and flog him and kill him. And after three days he will rise.”

This is the third time that Jesus has told his disciples of his impending arrest, death, and resurrection.

Mark 8-10 is the largest text in the New Testament on discipleship. In each chapter,

  • Jesus predicts his death and resurrection (Mark 8:31-32, 9:30-31, 10:32-34).
  • The disciples respond in a foolish way (Mark 8:32-33, 9:32-34, 10:35-41).
  • Jesus gives a lesson on discipleship, service, and true greatness (Mark 8:34-38, 9:35-37, 10:42-45).

Jesus knew what was going to happen to him and he still went to Jerusalem. He loved and served us even when he knew it would cost him his life.

Though none of us can die a substitutionary death on a cross like Jesus, we are all called to sacrifice for others.

  • Are you willing to make sacrifices so that other people can hear the gospel?
  • Are you willing to give of your time to help someone grow in Christ?
  • Are you willing to serve others?
  • Does your life have a kingdom focus?

If we are going to impact our community for Christ, then we must be willing to sacrifice for the good of others.

Following Jesus requires us to sacrifice for others. Second, following Jesus requires us to put off selfishness.

Following Jesus requires us to put off selfishness (35-37)

35 And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came up to him and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” 36 And he said to them, “What do you want me to do for you?” 37 And they said to him, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.”

The way of the world is self-exaltation. Look at James and John’s demands.
• 35 – “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.”
• 37 – “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory”

James and John are showing their human nature. Like James and John, we love ourselves and we want others to love and honor us as well. Many of us think way too highly of ourselves. Isn’t it true that we tend to see the faults of others while overlooking many of the same faults in ourselves?

James and John also seem to have already forgotten Jesus’ teaching on what true greatness looks like (see Mark 9:35):

Mark 9:35
“If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.”

While Jesus is talking about all that he is about to give, the disciples are consumed with what they can get. Looking at James and John is like looking in the mirror. We can see our own selfishness, and Mark hopes that we can see how foolish we look.

James and John are making demands of Jesus, the Lord of all creation. When we are self-centered, we are just like James and John.

If you are going to please Jesus with your life, then you must learn to put off selfishness. You must learn to put off selfishness in your marriage. You must learn to put off selfishness within your church family. You must put off selfishness in order to reach the lost.

James and John know Jesus is headed for glory (v. 37), but they don’t have a clue how the glory would come.

Following Jesus requires us to sacrifice for others. Following Jesus requires us to put off selfishness. Third, following Jesus requires us to suffer.

Following Jesus requires us to suffer (38-41)

38 Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” 39 And they said to him, “We are able.” And Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you will drink, and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized, 40 but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.” 41 And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant at James and John.

Jesus’ path to glory was paved with suffering. Read verse 38 above. Jesus says, “You don’t know what you’re asking…”

John and James were very quick to want the benefits of God’s kingdom, but they have not counted the costs of participating in it.

Jesus asks them two questions:

  • “Are you able to drink the cup that I drink?”
  • “Are you able to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?

Jesus compares His coming suffering and death to drinking a cup and experiencing a baptism. What does He mean by this?

Drinking a cup with someone speaks of sharing in that person’s fate. The cup that Jesus is referring to here is that of God’s wrath. Later, we will see Jesus praying in the garden of Gethsemane. As he prayed to the Father, he spoke these words: “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will” (Mark 14:36).

When Jesus speaks of His coming baptism, it means that his coming suffering and death were all consuming. Just as baptism is by immersion, Jesus was immersed in the destiny that God had planned for Him. Jesus’ suffering and death were all consuming and he was immersed in his mission.

Luke 12:50
I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how great is my distress until it is accomplished!

James and John respond that they are able, but their quick response makes it clear that they did not understand what Jesus meant. However, Jesus knows that indeed one day each of them will suffer for the sake of Jesus and His gospel.

  • James was the first apostle to be martyred (Acts 12:1-2).
  • John was exiled to the island of Patmos (Rev 1).

James and John had failed to see that the pathway to glory is paved with suffering. Before we receive the crown of life, we must be willing to drink the cup of suffering and be immersed in living for Christ. In his letter to the Philippians, Paul noted that believers are not called simply to believe in Jesus, but should also be willing to suffer for his sake.

Phil 1:29
For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake,

Do we really think that we can follow Jesus and not suffer? Do we think that revitalizing a church will be easy? Do we think we won’t be rejected by others or be persecuted? Do we really think that we won’t be hated for the sake of Jesus

“The early church was married to poverty, prisons, and persecutions. Today, ‘the church’ is married to prosperity, personality, and popularity.”

Leonard Ravenhill

The other disciples were indignant at James and John (v. 41). James and John’s selfish request had strained the unity of the group. Isn’t that what selfishness does? When we seek after power and position at the expense of those around us, others will be indignant at us.

Following Jesus requires us to sacrifice for others. Following Jesus requires us to put off selfishness. Following Jesus requires us to suffer. Finally, following Jesus requires us to serve others.

Following Jesus requires us to serve others (42-45)

42 And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 43 But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Jesus says that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them and that they exercise authority over them (v. 42). People in the world want more power, more position, more fame, and more influence. In the world, the more important you are, the more people you have that serve you.

But Jesus says, “it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant” (v. 43).

Once again, Jesus has changed the scorecard. The world says that power and authority are to be desired, but Jesus says if you want to be great you must be a servant.

If service is beneath you, then leadership is beyond you.

Think about this in marriage. Men, if you make marriage all about you, then your wife isn’t going to submit to your leadership.

If you’re the boss at work but you’re always making demands but never willing to help, you are not going to be effective.

Jesus says it’s not even enough to be like a servant but you must become like a slave (v. 44). In biblical times, slaves had very little rights and were taken for granted by those that they served.

Who are you more like? Are you more like the rich young ruler (Mark 10:17-22) and James and John? Are you seeking to exalt yourself or you a servant that is willing to pour out your life for others and to be taken for granted like a slave?

Verse 45 is the key verse of Mark’s Gospel. Mark 1:15 is Jesus’ message. Mark 10:45 is Jesus’ mission.

For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

The reason that service is preeminent in the kingdom of God is because it grows out of a love for one’s neighbor. Service is love made tangible.[1]James R. Edwards, The Gospel According to Mark, The Pillar New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI; Leicester, England: Eerdmans; Apollos, 2002), 326. If we refuse to serve others it is because we don’t love others. If we don’t love others, then we do not love God.

Jesus has told us his disciples that he is going to Jerusalem and that he will die. Now he tells them why. He did not come to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.

Conclusion

Jesus combines the “Son of Man” title from Daniel 7 with the “ransom for many” language from Isaiah 53.

Daniel 7:13-14
13 “I saw in the night visions,

and behold, with the clouds of heaven
there came one like a son of man,
and he came to the Ancient of Days
and was presented before him.
14 And to him was given dominion
and glory and a kingdom,
that all peoples, nations, and languages
should serve him;
his dominion is an everlasting dominion,
which shall not pass away,
and his kingdom one
that shall not be destroyed.

Isaiah 53:12c
yet he bore the sin of many,
and makes intercession for the transgressors.

This is the Jesus we follow! He came to earth as a baby. He died as a sacrifice for sinners. And one day, he will return as a warrior to mete out God’s judgment. After the final judgment, Jesus will rule his kingdom forever and ever. He will have an everlasting dominion.

That’s the amazing truth of the gospel, that Jesus, the Son of God, became the Son of Man in order to pay the penalty for sin. We needed a ransom for our sin because we had all gladly and willfully sold ourselves into the bondage of slavery to sin. Jesus saves us from God’s wrath and gives us the victory over sin, death, and hell.

By paying the ransom for our sins, Jesus made it possible for the children of man to become the children of God.

Jesus, the Son of God, and the Son of Man, gave His life as a ransom for many.

We respond in repentance and faith. After we come to Christ, we follow Jesus by

  • sacrificing for others (32-34)
  • putting off selfishness (35-37)
  • suffering for his sake (38-41)
  • serving others (42-45)

If we’re honest, many of us have a wrong view of Christianity. We think that Christianity is punching a ticket to heaven. In truth, Christianity is following Jesus, laying down our lives in service to the King who laid down his life for us.

Will we believe the philosophy of the world that life is all about us or will we give ourselves away in service to Jesus, his Gospel, his church, and a lost and dying world?

References

References
↑1 James R. Edwards, The Gospel According to Mark, The Pillar New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI; Leicester, England: Eerdmans; Apollos, 2002), 326.

The Way to True Greatness – Mark 9:30-42

October 2, 2023 /

Sermon text: Mark 9:30-42

Sermon Video

Outline

The way to true greatness is through selfless sacrifice (30-32)

The way to true greatness is through humble service (33-37)

The way to true greatness is through unwavering allegiance (38-42)

Summary

What is true greatness? In our culture, we hear about greatness all the time. Sports pundits debate about who is the greatest player in each sport. Political pundits talk about the greatest (and worst) presidents. Those debates are fine to have but what really matters is God’s definition of greatness. We find this in today’s text (Mark 9:30-42).

First, the way to true greatness is through selfless sacrifice (vv. 30-32). For the second time (see Mark 8:31), Jesus tells his disciples that he will be handed over, killed, and after three days, rise again. The disciples still do not understand that Jesus, the Messiah, has to die (v. 32). Jesus went to the cross knowing the agonizing fate that awaited him. Jesus’ selfless sacrifice is the pattern for all his disciples (not that we need to die on the cross but we must be willing to die to ourselves).

Second, the way to true greatness is through humble service (vv. 33-37). On their way back to Capernaum, the disciples argued about who was the greatest among them. Jesus overheard their conversation and taught them a lesson on true greatness – “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all” (v. 35). Of course, this was totally countercultural then and still is today. Jesus took a child in his arms and explained to his disciples that they should be willing to receive those whom society rejects in his name (vv. 36-37).

Consider the paradox of greatness in God’s kingdom: If you desire to be first by gaining position, power, and prestige, then you will get nowhere in the kingdom of God. However, if you seek to serve, you will be exalted; for in serving, you serve Jesus, and in serving Jesus, you are serving God the Father.

Third, the way to true greatness is through unwavering allegiance to Christ (vv. 38-42). Jesus rebuked the disciples for trying to stop a man who was casting out demons in Jesus’ name (v. 38). Ironically, this man had succeeded where the disciples had failed (Mark 9:18). Perhaps they were jealous of his success. John reasoned that because this new disciple was not in their circle he was not to be trusted with such responsibilities. This is a lesson most of us need to learn as well.

We can easily fall into the trap of thinking that our church, our denomination, our worship style, or our Bible translation is the only right one. Jesus is saying don’t be so critical of others. Sure, time will tell whether or not a ministry is truly honoring to Christ but our default should be to give someone the benefit of the doubt until they prove themselves unfaithful.

God’s kingdom is bigger than our experience of it (Mark 4:26-32). We tend to think in terms of our community, our church, our association, our denomination, but God’s kingdom is for every tribe, every tongue, and every nation (Rev 7:9).

In closing, here are a few questions to consider:

  • What is your standard greatness – the world’s or Jesus’?
  • Do you seek to promote yourself or serve others?
  • Do you expect others to serve you or are you seeking to serve others?
  • Are you willing to follow Jesus’ example? Are you willing to suffer for the sake of the gospel and doing good to others?

Jesus Satisfies the Needy – Mark 6:30-44

August 1, 2023 /

Sermon Video

In the last two weeks, we’ve seen that disciples advance the kingdom of God and that advancing the kingdom of God comes at a cost. John the Baptist was beheaded because he refused to compromise God’s Word.

Last week, we saw that Herod’s birthday banquet led to death. In today’s text, Mark makes a stark contrast; he presents Jesus presiding over a feast in the wilderness.

In contrast to Herod, who had the innocent killed to preserve his position of power, Mark presents Jesus as the true leader of God’s kingdom and the one who truly provides for his people.

Sermon text: Mark 6:30-44

Jesus’ feeding of the five thousand is the only miracle besides the resurrection that is recorded in all four of the Gospels.

Jesus has great compassion for people (30-34)

30 The apostles returned to Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught. 31 And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. 32 And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves. 33 Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they ran there on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. 34 When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things.

Jesus cares for those who are weary from ministry (30-32)

30

The disciples (“apostles”) returned to Jesus and reported to him about how their ministry went. Here we see Jesus’ pattern for discipling his followers:

  • Teach them.
  • Send them out.
  • Have them return.
  • Report and evaluate.

31

Jesus’’ response: “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.”

The disciples were so busy they were finding it difficult to even have a meal – “for many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat.”

It’s interesting that Jesus tells his disciples to go to a desolate place, for one recurring theme in Scripture is that God provides rest for his people in the wilderness.

32

The disciples got into a boat and went to a desolate place. They had been ministering to people (Mark 6:7-13) and now needed to rest. We need to learn from this example.

In my experience, I’ve noticed that when it comes to serving and ministering to people, most people alternate between two extremes: doing something all the time or never doing anything at all. Neither are biblical. Jesus shows us that we are to sacrificially love and serve one another, but there are times when we need to be refreshed and renewed.

One of my mentors always used to say, “A man that’s always available isn’t worth much when he is.” In other words, wherever you are, be there. Be present and attentive to those whom you are ministering. Don’t take non-emergency calls during family dinner. Don’t be on your email during family vacation. When you’re having lunch with someone, give them your full attention.

I want to encourage some of you that are always helping and serving to take a day, weekend, or week and spend time with God and be refreshed and renewed. The disciples and even Jesus himself had to rest.

There is nothing spiritual about being a workaholic. At the same time, we should be prepared for ministry if the opportunity presents itself.

Jesus cares for the crowd (33-34)

33

Unfortunately for the weary disciples, the crowd recognized them and ran to where the disciples were going. When Jesus and the disciples arrive, many people are waiting for them.

Notice how Jesus responds in v. 34: “He had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things.”

Mark describes the people as those who “were like a sheep without a shepherd.”

The phrase “sheep without a shepherd” is an Old Testament picture of Israel without spiritual leadership (Num 27:16-17; Eze 34). In Jesus’ day, the people of God were impoverished by the powerless and lifeless religion of the Pharisees and Sadducees.[1]Robin Sydserff, Teaching Mark, 207.  And so, Jesus taught them.

Today, there are people who don’t believe in God. There are many people who think that they will make it to heaven by their good works. Many people that Jesus spoke to on this day probably thought that if they just kept the law well enough and adhered to the extra rules of the Pharisees that they would be okay. The majority of people today have no idea how they can have true peace with God. They are like sheep without a shepherd.

And so, Jesus, seeing their helpless condition, began to teach them. We’re not told the contents of Jesus’ message, but Mark has told us what Jesus taught (see Mark 1:15). When we have true compassion for people, we will not just look to meet temporal needs, but we will share the message that will satisfy their eternal need of peace with God through Jesus Christ.

Jesus supernaturally provides for the needs of people (35-44)

35 And when it grew late, his disciples came to him and said, “This is a desolate place, and the hour is now late. 36 Send them away to go into the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” 37 But he answered them, “You give them something to eat.” And they said to him, “Shall we go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread and give it to them to eat?” 38 And he said to them, “How many loaves do you have? Go and see.” And when they had found out, they said, “Five, and two fish.” 39 Then he commanded them all to sit down in groups on the green grass. 40 So they sat down in groups, by hundreds and by fifties. 41 And taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing and broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the people. And he divided the two fish among them all. 42 And they all ate and were satisfied. 43 And they took up twelve baskets full of broken pieces and of the fish. 44 And those who ate the loaves were five thousand men.

35-36

The disciples are tired and the daylight is fading. They tell Jesus to send the people away. Verse 35 is the third time the text mentions that the setting is a “desolate place” (vv. 31, 32, 35).”

37

Jesus shocks the disciples by telling them to feed the crowds: “You give them something to eat.” We learn from v. 44 that the crowd consisted of 5000 men, which probably means there were between 15,000-20,000 people. The disciples insist that they cannot afford enough food for this big crowd. The amount of money (200 denarii) would be worth around $30,000-35,000 USD in 2023.

Jesus is teaching his disciples something here. He wants them to listen to what he says and to trust him for the outcome.[2]Hans F. Bayer, “Mark” in Matthew–Luke, ed. Iain M. Duguid, James M. Hamilton Jr., and Jay Sklar, vol. VIII, ESV Expository Commentary (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2021), 556.

This is where churches go astray – when they don’t trust the sufficiency of God’s Word. God has told us what to do – love God, love people, and obey the Great Commission. Many churches get distracted and will do whatever it takes to attract carnal people to their services. But God calls us to trust his sufficient Word and to trust him for the results. We are to trust and obey, for that is the way to be happy in Jesus and to please him.

38

Jesus asks the disciples a pointed question: “How many loaves do you have? Go and see.”

John 6:9 tells us that the five pieces of bread and the fish were a boy’s lunch. Out of all these people, the disciples were only able to find one person who had something to eat.

The disciples realized that they were way beyond their resources. If Jesus doesn’t intervene, then feeding this crowd is not going to happen. The good news is that God loves to demonstrate his power in our lives! When we have problems that seem insurmountable, we are to look to God. Warren Wiersbe said, “Jesus looked at the situation, not as a problem, but as an opportunity to trust the Father and glorify His name.”

What if we saw every insurmountable situation not as a time to complain, not as a pity party, but as an opportunity to trust the Father and to see him work in our lives?

39-40

Jesus has the people sit down in groups of fifties and hundreds in order to make the distribution easier.

41-44

Jesus looked up to heaven, said a blessing, and “broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the people. And he divided the two fish among them all” (v. 41).

Notice that Jesus uses the boy’s lunch to feed the multitude and that he uses the disciples to distribute the food. Jesus could have rained down manna from heaven as in the Old Testament, but he delights in using us to do his work. We are his earthly ambassadors.

2 Corinthians 5:20

“Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us.”

Jesus used his disciples. He gave the fish and the bread to them, and they are the ones that distributed it. The blessing to the people came through the disciples. Jesus is not walking on earth anymore, but he still uses the church, the body of his disciples to be a blessing to those who are without a shepherd.

We see that Jesus has the disciples take part in this compassion ministry and that Jesus can use a very small gift and multiply it for his glory.

Sometimes we think that our small acts of giving or serving don’t do much but Jesus can multiply our efforts. Be faithful and trust God with the results!

What can you give to Jesus that he can multiply?

What can you give to Jesus that he can multiply?

42

Verse 42 says that they all ate and were satisfied. In fact, there were 12 baskets of leftovers (v. 43)!

You see, God is able to supernaturally provide for our needs and we need to look to him as our provider.

Matthew 6:31-34

31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. 34 “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Jesus has great compassion for people. Jesu can supernaturally provide for the needs of people. And finally, Jesus is the Messiah.

Jesus hints at his Messiahship by providing a feast for the people (39-44)

If you only read Mark’s account of this passage, you may not see all the hints about Jesus’ messiahship. I would encourage you to read John 6.

Throughout Mark, Mark presents Jesus as a second Moses who brings salvation to his people.

Here are some messianic hints we’ve encountered so far.

In Mark 1 Jesus was baptized in the Jordan, the same river where the Israelites entered Canaan. After being baptized, Jesus went into the wilderness for 40 days and 40 nights. Where Israel failed, Jesus, the true Israel, triumphed.

In Mark 3 Jesus called 12 disciples onto a mountain, just as Moses received God’s law on Mount Sinai and then called the 12 tribes of Israel to obey God’s Law

In Mark 6 and John 6 consider see the following:

  • Mark alludes to Num 27:16-17 where Moses prays for someone to replace him after his death so the Israelites wouldn’t be left without a shepherd.
  • Jesus has the disciples to have people sit in groups of 50 and 100 just as Moses appointed men to be judges over groups of people of Israel (Exo 18:25).
  • When Jesus gave the bread to the disciples, it foreshadowed the institution of the Lord’s Supper, where Jesus gave bread to His disciples. The Lord’s Supper was established within the context of the Passover.
  • Many in the crowd were likely on their way to celebrate the Passover (John 6:4). With the Israelites, God miraculously supplied bread from heaven. In our text, Jesus, God in the flesh and the Bread of Life, miraculously supplied bread to those heading to the Passover.
  • The Jews expected the Messiah to repeat Moses’ OT manna miracle by feeding them at a great future banquet (John 6:30-35, Isa 25:6-8).
  • After the event, the Jews attempted to make Jesus into a Messiah according to their military-political pattern (John 6:14-15).

John 6:14-15

14 When the people saw the sign [the feeding of the 5000] that he had done, they said, “This is indeed the Prophet who is to come into the world!” 15 Perceiving then that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself.

All of these things point to a new exodus. Just as God had delivered his people from slavery in Egypt, Jesus has come to deliver his people from their sins (Matt 1:21).

CONCLUSION / GOSPEL

This morning, we have seen that Jesus has great compassion for people.

We have seen that he can provide for the needs of people.

We have also seen that he is the Messiah, the Son of God, who takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29).

The crowds were like sheep without a shepherd and they were also hungry with nothing to eat.

We are in the same situation spiritually. We are sinners with no righteousness to bring before a holy God (Rom 3:10-11).

Just as Jesus satisfied the people’s hunger with bread, Jesus perfectly satisfied God’s wrath for our sin by dying on the cross in our place. In v. 42, they ate and were all satisfied. On the cross, Jesus said, “It is finished” (John 19:30). Hebrews says Jesus is the once and for all sacrifice.

One day there will be a heavenly feast, the marriage supper of the Lamb. Attendance at that banquet is by invitation only. The only people that will be invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb are those who have put their trust in Christ. He has not left us as sheep without a shepherd but he himself is our good shepherd.

References

References
↑1 Robin Sydserff, Teaching Mark, 207.
↑2 Hans F. Bayer, “Mark” in Matthew–Luke, ed. Iain M. Duguid, James M. Hamilton Jr., and Jay Sklar, vol. VIII, ESV Expository Commentary (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2021), 556.

Commit to the Church: Serve Faithfully

November 15, 2022 /
Sermon Series Graphic

I recently began a new sermon series called Commit at my church on what biblically committed church membership looks like. This post is based off of the eighth sermon in that series, which was not recorded.

This blog post is about the importance of serving within the church. You may not know it, but the verbal form of diakonos (the Greek word sometimes translated deacon) means to serve or to minister. However, serving in the church is not limited to deacons. We could go back to Acts 2:42-47 and see how the early Christians served one another. The call to serve one another is found all over the New Testament.

I would argue that anyone that claims to be a Christian must be a servant because Christ our Lord is the ultimate example of humility and service. We saw that in our Scripture reading from Philippians 2:1-11 and we’ll see it today in our Scripture text. If you would, turn in your Bibles to Mark 10.

As you’re turning to Mark 10, I want to give you some context. In Mark 10, Jesus and his disciples are on their way to Jerusalem where Jesus will be crucified within 1-2 weeks of when the events of our text took place.

Mark 8-10 is the largest text in the New Testament on discipleship. In Mark 8:34-36, Jesus spoke these challenging words:

“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 35 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it. 36 For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?

In each chapter of Mark 8-10:

  • Jesus predicted his death and resurrection (8:31-32, 9:30-31, 10:32-34).
  • The disciples responded in a foolish way (8:32-33, 9:32-34, 10:35-41).
  • Jesus gave a lesson on discipleship and service (8:34-38, 9:35-37, 10:42-45).

In our text today, we’ll see just how much we are like Jesus’ first disciples when it comes to service.

Sermon Text: Mark 10:32-45

BIG IDEA: As followers of Jesus, we should humbly serve one another.

We know that we need to serve, but it seems to be hard at times. This text helps us see why serving faithfully is difficult for so many of us.

Serving faithfully will cost us (32-34)

Jesus knew what was going to happen (32-34) and he still went to Jerusalem. He loved and served us even when he knew he would suffer and that it would cost him his life. Even while His disciples were fearful (32), Jesus was focused on the mission that had been given to him by the Father.

Jesus’ mission was to seek and to save the lost (Luke 19:10). He came to bear witness to the Father and to die for the sins of the world. While it is unlikely that many of us will physically die in service to Christ, the reality is that God has given our church a mission – to make disciples of Jesus Christ by sharing the gospel, baptizing, and teaching people to obey Jesus in all of life for the rest of life (Matt 28:18-20).

Are you serving Jesus in this way? Are you, like Jesus, focused on the mission that God has given to us as a church? How are you serving the Great Commission? How are you serving the church?

Serving faithfully will cost you. It will cost you to:

  • serve in the nursery
  • teach a Sunday school class
  • show up for church clean up days
  • babysit for a young couple with children so they can have a date night
  • serve on the music team
  • clean up a widow’s yard
  • take a meal to a homebound or sick church member
  • pick up a homebound member and bring them to church
  • host another family in the church in your home
  • disciple that young believer by helping him/her to read the Bible, pray, and share the gospel

Jesus served us faithfully despite an unimaginable cost to himself. Like Jesus, we should faithfully serve the church despite the cost. Jesus bought the church with his own blood (Acts 20:28). Are we willing to give our blood, sweat, and tears to serve him by serving his church?

So, serving faithfully will cost us. Second, it will challenge us.

Second, serving faithfully will challenge us (35-44)

Serving faithfully goes against our human nature (35-37)

The way of the world: self-exaltation.

  • 35 – “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.”
  • 37 – “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory”

James and John are showing their human natures. Like these two men, we love ourselves and want others to love and honor us as well. Many of us think way too highly of ourselves. Isn’t it true that we tend to see the specks in others’ eyes while overlooking the log in our own eyes?

James and John also seem to have already forgotten Jesus’ teaching on what true greatness looks like. In the previous chapter of Mark, we read the words below.

Mark 9:35

And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.”

On the way to his death here in chapter 10, Jesus is talking about all that he is about to give. But the self-absorbed disciples are consumed with all they can get. When we see James and John, it’s like looking in the mirror. We see our own selfishness, and Mark hopes that we see how foolish we look. Once again, this is one of the reasons that serving is so challenging for us – it goes against our human nature.

Friends, the way of the world is to exalt yourself. The way of Christ is to serve others.

The way of the world is to exalt yourself. The way of Christ is to serve others.

Serving faithfully will challenge us because it goes against our human nature and because it comes at a cost. I’ve already discussed this in vv. 32-35, but let’s now look at vv. 38-40.

38 Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” 39 And they said to him, “We are able.” And Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you will drink, and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized, 40 but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.”

Serving faithfully comes at a cost (38-40)

James and John know Jesus is headed for glory (37), but they don’t have a clue how that glory would come. They expected Jesus to overthrow the Romans and establish a political kingdom but Jesus’ kingdom was not of this world. His path to glory was paved with suffering. Look again at v. 38 – Jesus tells his disciples, “You don’t know what you’re asking…”

  • “Are you able to drink the cup that I drink?”
  • “Are you able to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?

Jesus compares His coming suffering and death to drinking a cup and experiencing a baptism. What does He mean by this? Drinking a cup with someone speaks of sharing in that person’s fate. The cup that Jesus is referring to here is that of God’s wrath.

When Jesus speaks of His coming baptism, He means that His coming suffering and death were all consuming. Just as baptism is by immersion, Jesus was immersed in the destiny that God had planned for Him. Jesus’ suffering and death were all consuming and He was immersed in His mission.

Luke 12:50

I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how great is my distress until it is accomplished!

In verse 39, James and John told Jesus, “We are able.” Their quick response, however, makes it clear that they did not understand what Jesus meant. Jesus knew that indeed one day each of them would suffer for the sake of Jesus.

  • James was the first apostle to be martyred (Acts 12:1-2).
  • John was exiled to the island of Patmos (Rev 1).

James and John had failed to see that the pathway to glory is paved with suffering. Before we receive the crown of life, we must be willing to drink the cup of suffering and be immersed in living for Christ.

Phil 1:29

For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake,

“The early church was married to poverty, prisons, and persecutions. Today, ‘the church’ is married to prosperity, personality, and popularity.”

Leonard Ravehnill

Serving faithfully challenges us because it is  contrary to the ways of the world (41-43)

In v. 41, the other disciples were indignant at James and John. In v. 42, Jesus says that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them and that they exercise authority over them. People in the world want more power, more position, more fame, and more influence. In the world, the more important you are, the more people you have that serve you.

But Jesus says in v. 43, “It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant.”

Once again, Jesus has changed the scorecard. The world says that power and authority are to be desired, but Jesus says if you want to be great, you must be a servant.

Serving faithfully challenges us because we must become like slaves (44)

Jesus says it’s not even enough to be like a servant, but you must become like a slave. In biblical times, slaves had very little rights and were taken for granted by those that they served.

Who are you more like? Are you like James and John seeking to exalt yourself? Are you like Jesus, a servant that is willing to pour out your life for others and to be taken for granted like a slave?

Serving faithfully will cost us. Serving faithfully will challenge us. But serving faithfully is the way of Christ.

Serving faithfully is the way of Christ (45)

Mark 10:45 is the key verse of Mark’s Gospel. Mark 1:15 is Jesus’ message; Mark 10:45 is Jesus’ mission.

Jesus has told us He is going to Jerusalem and that He will die. Now He tells us why. He did not come to be served, but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many.

Jesus combines the “Son of Man” title from Daniel 7:13-14 with the “ransom for many” language from Isaiah 53:10-12. The Son of Man (Dan 7:13-14) will be given dominion and glory and a kingdom. He came to earth and gave his life as a ransom for many (Isa 53:12).

That’s the amazing truth of the gospel, that Jesus, the Son of God, became the Son of Man to pay the penalty for sin. We needed a ransom for our sin because we had all gladly and willfully sold ourselves into the slavery to sin. Jesus purchased us from our masters of sin, death, and hell to set us free.

By paying the ransom for our sins, Jesus made it possible for the children of Adam to become the children of God (John 1:12). Jesus, the Son of God, and the Son of Man, gave His life as a ransom for many.

We must respond in repentance and faith. After we come to Christ, we live a life of humble service to Jesus and others.

1 John 3:16

By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.

Conclusion

There are some of you that are members of our church but are not serving in any way. I want to challenge you today. Would you speak with me or someone else about how you can regularly serve in the church?

If Jesus was a member of our church, can you imagine that he would do nothing? Would Jesus simply attend the worship service and leave? We know the answer.

Many people today get married only when it’s convenient (when each person has something to offer), but they aren’t really committed to each other through thick and thin. We have a lot of Christians like that today. Some of you will serve in the church only when it’s convenient but you’re not committed to serving week-by-week in the body of Christ.

Donald Whitney writes, “The church needs soldiers who will enlist and fill the ranks, not people who will help only as last-minute reinforcements and if the battle won’t last too long.”[1]Spiritual Disciplines Within the Church, 113..

The way you serve the church reflects your love for Christ. Friends, Jesus is worthy of our service.

Will we believe the lie of the world that life is all about us or will we give ourselves away in service to Jesus, his Gospel, his church, and a lost and dying world?

“Jesus paid it all, all to him I owe.” Will you serve the one who gave it all for you?

References

References
↑1 Spiritual Disciplines Within the Church, 113.

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