Jesus Says Whoever Wants Greatness Must Serve Others
Welcome to Day 282 of our journey with Jesus. Today, we listen to the words Jesus said. The main truth for today is this: Jesus says that those who want to be great among his followers must serve others. Let’s begin.
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Jesus in Action
Mark 10:35–45
Step 2 of 5
Read the exact words Jesus said.
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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Yesterday we looked at how the disciples wanted power on the road to Jerusalem. Today, we will look closely at the exact words of Jesus as He explains what true authority and greatness mean in His kingdom.
Watch: Why Did Jesus Say Serving Others Means Being First?
Watch the companion video, then continue reading to examine the biblical testimony in its full context.
“You Do Not Know What You Are Asking”
When James and John ask for the highest positions of honor at His right and left hand, Jesus replies directly: “You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the cup that I drink, or be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” With these words, Jesus uses pictures of a cup and baptism to describe severe suffering and death. His question changes the topic from what they think they deserve to what they are willing to sacrifice.
“The Cup That I Drink You Will Drink”
When the brothers insist they are able, Jesus states plainly: “The cup that I drink you will drink, and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; 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.” Jesus confirms they will share in His suffering. At the same time, His words show that no one can get a high position through favoritism or human pressure. God alone decides these things.
“It Must Not Be That Way Among You”
When Jesus sees that the other ten disciples are angry, He calls them all together. He describes how earthly power works: “You know that those who rule the nations control people by force, and their great leaders show off their authority. It must not be that way among you.” This command is absolute. Jesus draws a clear line between the forced control used by worldly rulers and the way people should treat each other in His community.
“Whoever Wants to Be Great Must Be Your Servant”
Jesus then gives them His main rule: “Whoever wants to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be a helper to everyone.” These words leave no room for exceptions. By making a “servant” and a “helper to everyone” the only path to greatness, Jesus completely flips our normal ideas about success and privilege.
“A Ransom for Many”
Jesus shows that He lives by this same rule through His own purpose: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life to set many people free.” He is not just giving a good moral rule; He is explaining His actual mission. Jesus uses the title “Son of Man” to show His authority, but He explains that He uses His authority to die in our place so we can be set free.
Tomorrow, we will discover what this story reveals about who Jesus really is and what kind of King He chose to be.
Consider this.
Which words of Jesus must govern your reading?
Listen closely
Listen to Jesus’ own definition of greatness before importing ordinary ideas of leadership.
