Be Great By Serving Like a Bondslave
April 14, 2026
Commentary
Jesus again spoke about His coming death (vv. 32–34). As He and His disciples traveled toward Jerusalem, Jesus walked ahead of them alone. There are moments in life that must be faced alone, and for our Lord this included betrayal, suffering, crucifixion, and resurrection. He moved forward with courage and purpose, fully aware of what lay ahead, yet willing to obey the Father’s will.
The disciples did not fully understand what was happening and were confused, yet they continued to follow Him (vv. 35–39). Their love for Jesus kept them close, even when they did not understand His words. In the middle of this, James and John showed selfish ambition by asking to sit beside Him in His glory. Jesus replied that such places were not His to give but were prepared for others. He gently corrected their thinking and pointed them toward God’s greater plan.
Matthew’s account shows that their mother made this request (Matt. 20:20–23), perhaps trying to protect their image. This reveals a common human struggle: we often want the highest place with the least sacrifice. But true life is not found in taking, but in giving. Those who are willing to serve more than others often grow in responsibility and influence over time through consistent faithfulness and humble actions. Real success comes through faithful service, not selfish desire.
Jesus then taught a powerful lesson: “Whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister” (vv. 41–45). The world values power and position, but God values humility and service. Even Jesus came “not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” True greatness is found in serving others with a willing and humble heart that reflects Christ’s love in both small and great ways.
Application
Do I seek position or do I choose to serve? Am I willing to follow Jesus even when I do not understand His plan? Do I have hidden ambition in my heart? How can I serve others in simple ways today? Am I willing to put others before myself? I must humble myself and be willing to serve others with love and compassion, just like Jesus did.
Mark 10:32–45 (NET)
32 They were on the way, going up to Jerusalem. Jesus was going ahead of them, and they were amazed, but those who followed were afraid. He took the twelve aside again and began to tell them what was going to happen to him. 33 “Look, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and experts in the law. They will condemn him to death and will turn him over to the Gentiles. 34 They will mock him, spit on him, flog him severely, and kill him. Yet after three days, he will rise again.”
35 Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him and said, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask.” 36 He said to them, “What do you want me to do for you?” 37 They said to him, “Permit one of us to sit at your right hand and the other at your left in your glory.” 38 But Jesus said to them, “You don’t know what you are asking! Are you able to drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I experience?” 39 They said to him, “We are able.” Then Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink, and you will be baptized with the baptism I experience, 40 but to sit at my right or at my left is not mine to give. It is for those for whom it has been prepared.”
41 Now when the other ten heard this, they became angry with James and John. 42 Jesus called them and said to them, “You know that those who are recognized as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in high positions use their authority over them. 43 But it is not this way among you. Instead whoever wants to be great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of all. 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.”