Jesus’ Followers Compete for Honor
Welcome to Day 281 of our journey with Jesus. Today, we see what happened when people met Jesus. The main truth for today is this: Jesus responds to his followers' desire for rank by teaching them to serve others. Let’s begin.
Current details of the journeyView the calendar, Episode and passage
Jesus in Action
Mark 10:35–45
Step 1 of 5
See what happened when people met Jesus.
Kisha Yakobo na Yohana, wana wa Zebedayo, wakaja kwake na kumwambia, “Mwalimu, tunataka utufanyie lolote tutakalokuomba.” Naye akawaambia, “Je, mwataka niwafanyie jambo gani?” Wakamwambia, “Tupe kukaa mmoja upande wako wa kuume na mwingine upande wako wa kushoto katika utukufu wako.” Lakini Yesu akawaambia, “Ninyi hamjui mnaloliomba. Je, mnaweza kukinywea kikombe ninyweacho mimi, au kubatizwa ubatizo nibatizwao mimi?” Wakajibu, “Tunaweza.” Kisha Yesu akawaambia, “Kikombe nikinyweacho mtakinywea na ubatizo nibatizwao mtabatizwa, lakini kuketi mkono wangu wa kuume au wa kushoto si juu yangu mimi kuwapa. Nafasi hizi ni kwa ajili ya wale walioandaliwa.” Wale wanafunzi wengine kumi waliposikia hayo, wakaanza kuwakasirikia Yakobo na Yohana. Lakini Yesu akawaita wote pamoja na kuwaambia, “Mnafahamu kuwa wale wanaodhaniwa kuwa watawala wa watu wa Mataifa huwatawala watu kwa nguvu, nao wenye vyeo huonyesha mamlaka yao. Lakini isiwe hivyo kwenu. Badala yake, yeyote anayetaka kuwa mkuu miongoni mwenu hana budi kuwa mtumishi wenu, na yeyote anayetaka kuwa wa kwanza, hana budi kuwa mtumwa wa wote. Kwa kuwa hata Mwana wa Adamu hakuja ili kutumikiwa, bali kutumika na kuutoa uhai wake uwe fidia kwa ajili ya wengi.”
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Watch: Why Jesus Says Greatness Starts with Serving Others
Watch the companion video, then continue reading to examine the biblical testimony in its full context.
Yesterday we talked about divided loyalty — the struggle of trying to trust two different things at the same time. Today, a new story unfolds on the road as Jesus leads the way toward Jerusalem, Jesus challenges His followers to completely change the way they define success.
The Request on the Road
James and John step forward from the group to talk to Jesus privately. With Jerusalem in sight and His death drawing near, they ask for the highest positions of honor: the seats at His right and His left in His kingdom. Even after traveling with Him for so long, they still view success the way human rulers do—focusing on high social status, pride, and political power.
The Cup and the Baptism
Jesus stops and looks directly at them. He asks if they are able to go through the same severe suffering and hardships that He is about to face. Without hesitating, the two brothers declare, “We can.” Jesus confirms that they will indeed suffer as He will. However, He makes it clear that these honors are not given out through favoritism. He shows them how completely they have misunderstood the path they are walking.
Anger Among the Disciples
When the other ten disciples hear about this conversation, they become very angry. The group splits, not because the other ten understand humility, but because they are upset that two of them tried to get the best positions first. This competition for rank and importance threatens to divide the whole group.
Jesus Redefines Greatness
Jesus steps into the argument and calls all twelve disciples together. He points out how worldly rulers control people by force and show off their authority. Then, He gives them a completely opposite rule: “It must not be that way among you.” Whoever wants to be great must become a servant, and whoever wants to be first must be a helper to everyone.
The Ultimate Example
Jesus shows that He lives by this same standard: He did not come to be served, but to serve others, and to give His life to rescue many people. The disciples started the day competing for power; they leave realizing that the only way to be great in God’s kingdom is to follow their King in serving others.
Tomorrow, we will look closely at the exact words Jesus uses to redefine greatness and authority.
Consider this.
What does this encounter reveal about Jesus?
Notice the encounter
Read Mark 10:35–45 and notice how Jesus redefines greatness around service.
