WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:07.200 And in the process of the last few weeks, we've learned about discipleship and how it relates to things like faith, 00:00:08.099 --> 00:00:17.240 humility, children, discipleship and divorce, discipleship and wealth, and so on. 00:00:17.719 --> 00:00:24.859 And what's clear in all of Jesus' teaching is that the life of one who belongs to his kingdom 00:00:24.859 --> 00:00:30.119 is radically different than those who do not. 00:00:31.679 --> 00:00:43.200 Our lives as believers should stand in stark contrast to those who belong to this world and to this world's ways. 00:00:43.859 --> 00:00:51.079 And part of what Jesus is doing through this training of his disciples is he's explaining who he is and why he's come. 00:00:51.079 --> 00:00:55.299 And then in relation to that, saying, now this is what it means to follow me. 00:00:55.439 --> 00:00:57.659 This is what it really means to belong to me. 00:00:57.899 --> 00:00:59.519 This is what the kingdom is like. 00:00:59.839 --> 00:01:02.519 And this is what the people of the kingdom are like. 00:01:02.700 --> 00:01:03.879 And this is how they live. 00:01:04.019 --> 00:01:08.480 And almost every one of those passages, all those stories, all of those lessons that we go through, 00:01:08.659 --> 00:01:13.980 we find where what Jesus was teaching the disciples was almost a surprise to them 00:01:13.980 --> 00:01:21.640 because they were immersed in a culture that taught very differently than Jesus did in every one of those categories. 00:01:21.840 --> 00:01:23.939 And the one that we cover today is no different. 00:01:24.460 --> 00:01:34.640 In this particular text, we find Jesus teaching his followers how they are to understand and exercise power and authority. 00:01:35.800 --> 00:01:38.000 And as always, the answer is found in Jesus. 00:01:39.040 --> 00:01:40.359 He is the answer. 00:01:40.359 --> 00:01:51.920 And we find in this passage the perfect example and then also the perfect instruction for what Jesus desires of his disciples in this way. 00:01:52.200 --> 00:01:57.599 The first thing we see in verses 32 to 34 is the gospel backdrop to the whole issue. 00:01:58.560 --> 00:02:09.560 This is now the third time in Mark's gospel that he has explicitly stated the process by which he will accomplish his atoning work. 00:02:10.400 --> 00:02:15.740 And here, even more than the other two instances, he gives dramatic detail. 00:02:17.099 --> 00:02:25.400 And here Jesus is telling his disciples not only that he is going to suffer, but he's walking them step by step through how it's all going to unfold, 00:02:25.400 --> 00:02:31.039 through the betrayal of Judas, though he's not naming Judas, through the handing over to the Jews, 00:02:31.120 --> 00:02:36.620 the Jews handing over to the Gentiles, and then what the Gentiles are going to do to him in the process of crucifixion. 00:02:36.620 --> 00:02:40.920 And he just lays it out step by step for him in tremendous detail. 00:02:41.580 --> 00:02:49.080 And the main point of instruction comes through this exchange between James and John and the rest of Jesus' disciples. 00:02:49.080 --> 00:03:01.060 But the backdrop of this entire scenario, this entire scene, is the declaration of Jesus' coming suffering, death, and resurrection. 00:03:01.060 --> 00:03:14.780 So in light of the theme of this passage, Jesus' gospel, his suffering and death, is teaching us not only about what he would do and his identity and purpose, 00:03:14.780 --> 00:03:22.159 but it serves as an example to us of what he was about to teach these disciples in this passage as well. 00:03:22.659 --> 00:03:25.259 I want you to notice his resolute determination. 00:03:26.259 --> 00:03:27.740 Look with me at verse 32. 00:03:27.740 --> 00:03:35.680 They were on the road going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them, and they were amazed. 00:03:36.680 --> 00:03:39.379 Those who followed were afraid. 00:03:40.780 --> 00:03:45.080 Remember, Jesus and the disciples had been in the Transjordan area up to this point. 00:03:45.160 --> 00:03:50.320 That's east of Judea, across the Jordan, in the area called Perea at that time. 00:03:50.540 --> 00:03:54.060 And they're moving away from that area on their way to Jericho. 00:03:54.060 --> 00:03:56.699 Next week, we're going to talk about blind Bartimaeus. 00:03:56.780 --> 00:04:00.099 That whole scenario unfolds in the city of Jericho. 00:04:00.219 --> 00:04:04.620 So they're on the road to Jericho on their way to Jerusalem is where they are. 00:04:05.039 --> 00:04:14.819 And Luke had written, as we've discussed over and over, that while Jesus was in Galilee, he had already set his face toward Jerusalem. 00:04:15.060 --> 00:04:16.899 It was a statement of intense focus. 00:04:17.079 --> 00:04:18.079 He was passionate. 00:04:18.199 --> 00:04:18.740 He was ready. 00:04:18.740 --> 00:04:23.620 He was prepared, and he was on his way, on his mission to Jerusalem where he would make this atoning work. 00:04:23.620 --> 00:04:31.180 But this is really the first time that Mark gives us a textual clue about this intense focus that Jesus had. 00:04:31.819 --> 00:04:39.360 We see in him an unwavering determination to accomplish the mission for which he was sent. 00:04:40.120 --> 00:04:45.259 And we discern that partly in the reaction of the people who were with him. 00:04:45.259 --> 00:04:58.959 Something about him, something about his demeanor, something about his spirit, something about the way he was going about these days of travel was speaking volumes to the people who were with him. 00:04:59.079 --> 00:05:02.939 And we're first told that the disciples were amazed by it. 00:05:02.939 --> 00:05:14.219 They're actually amazed at Jesus' determination to get there because, after all, for three times at least, Jesus has said, when I finally get to Jerusalem, they're going to kill me. 00:05:14.360 --> 00:05:15.860 They're going to torture me and kill me. 00:05:17.339 --> 00:05:19.899 Any one of us would be going in the opposite direction. 00:05:20.659 --> 00:05:21.399 But not Jesus. 00:05:22.459 --> 00:05:23.480 He's resolute. 00:05:24.079 --> 00:05:25.519 He's determined to get there. 00:05:25.860 --> 00:05:28.500 He's on the road there, and the disciples are amazed by that. 00:05:28.500 --> 00:05:32.160 They're still not convinced that that's what's going to happen, I don't think. 00:05:32.819 --> 00:05:42.720 But even if that's true, they're amazed that Jesus wants to go and do that, that that's the fate that he awaits them, and yet he pursues that path. 00:05:42.720 --> 00:05:49.740 But then we're told that there's other people along with them, perhaps a large caravan that is now traveling with Jesus and his disciples, 00:05:49.740 --> 00:05:58.860 probably people who were following Jesus in faith, or at least were intrigued in a unique way by Jesus and following him. 00:05:59.280 --> 00:06:01.759 These people, we're told, were afraid. 00:06:03.360 --> 00:06:11.960 Something about the way that Jesus was carrying himself brought a spirit of fear on the group that was following with them. 00:06:12.360 --> 00:06:16.939 They could sense that this trip was not going to be a joyous trip. 00:06:16.939 --> 00:06:28.660 Something serious was on the mind of Jesus, like a child who can recognize the severity of a parent's tone or the severity of a parent's expression. 00:06:29.240 --> 00:06:30.459 You know what that's like. 00:06:30.579 --> 00:06:31.860 Some of you, you know the look. 00:06:31.980 --> 00:06:38.639 You know the look that you can give your kid or the spirit of urgency that you can have without them having the information of the circumstance, 00:06:38.879 --> 00:06:40.399 and yet they can sense that, right? 00:06:40.420 --> 00:06:41.720 Our kids can sense that on us. 00:06:42.379 --> 00:06:46.860 These people that are traveling with Jesus sense his determination, and some of them are amazed, 00:06:46.939 --> 00:06:48.959 that are clued into what he's actually doing. 00:06:49.060 --> 00:06:55.040 The rest of them are scared to death because something serious is about to go down with Jesus in Jerusalem. 00:06:55.779 --> 00:06:58.439 But no one could prevent him. 00:07:00.100 --> 00:07:06.300 No one could stop him from doing what he came to do, 00:07:07.079 --> 00:07:11.319 which he explains to his disciples again in verses 32 to 34. 00:07:11.319 --> 00:07:15.599 Taking the twelve again, he began to tell them what was to happen to them, 00:07:16.219 --> 00:07:18.579 saying, See, we are going up to Jerusalem. 00:07:19.399 --> 00:07:23.439 The Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the scribes. 00:07:23.939 --> 00:07:27.980 They will condemn him to death, deliver him over to the Gentiles. 00:07:28.519 --> 00:07:31.740 They will mock him and spit on him and flog him and kill him. 00:07:31.779 --> 00:07:34.639 And after three days, he will rise. 00:07:34.639 --> 00:07:40.819 We find here that the suffering and death and resurrection of Jesus, 00:07:41.620 --> 00:07:47.740 they were not a horrible accident, as some people may tend to think. 00:07:49.759 --> 00:07:52.959 This was the definite plan of God. 00:07:54.539 --> 00:08:01.120 It was the fulfillment of all that the Old Testament law and prophets had foretold. 00:08:01.120 --> 00:08:05.439 And Luke, when he wrote about this event, emphasized that fact. 00:08:06.139 --> 00:08:08.620 In Luke chapter 18 and verse 31, Luke said, 00:08:09.000 --> 00:08:10.860 And taking the twelve, he said to them, 00:08:11.399 --> 00:08:13.280 See, we are going up to Jerusalem, 00:08:13.879 --> 00:08:20.259 and everything that is written about the Son of Man by the prophets will be accomplished. 00:08:21.180 --> 00:08:22.560 This was no accident. 00:08:25.079 --> 00:08:30.139 Jesus was not simply a good man that suffered a tragically unjust death. 00:08:30.139 --> 00:08:31.259 No. 00:08:32.039 --> 00:08:38.019 He's the perfect Lamb of God, sent to be the sacrifice for sin. 00:08:39.000 --> 00:08:41.039 Judas betrayed him. 00:08:41.840 --> 00:08:46.539 The Jewish leaders condemned him, and the Romans crucified him. 00:08:46.779 --> 00:08:49.759 But it was God the Father who delivered him. 00:08:50.279 --> 00:08:55.659 It was God the Father who delivered him into their hands for this purpose. 00:08:56.899 --> 00:08:58.759 Peter eventually picked up on this. 00:08:58.759 --> 00:09:00.679 In Acts chapter 2, we'll read it next week. 00:09:00.720 --> 00:09:03.059 In his sermon on the day of Pentecost, he says, 00:09:03.319 --> 00:09:10.439 This Jesus delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, 00:09:11.179 --> 00:09:15.240 you crucified and killed by hands of lawless men. 00:09:15.299 --> 00:09:16.419 This was the plan of God. 00:09:17.700 --> 00:09:19.679 Paul wrote in Romans chapter 4, 00:09:19.679 --> 00:09:38.039 Well, Judas and the Jews and the Romans, they weren't concerned with delivering Jesus for atonement's sake. 00:09:38.879 --> 00:09:41.979 No, that's God the Father that delivered him up for our trespasses. 00:09:41.980 --> 00:09:45.159 Good Isaiah 53. 00:09:46.940 --> 00:09:52.740 That's the greatest chapter in the Old Testament that describes step by step the suffering of Jesus. 00:09:53.680 --> 00:09:55.779 And what does it say in verse 10? 00:09:57.000 --> 00:09:59.560 It was the will of the Lord to crush him. 00:10:00.860 --> 00:10:03.200 He has put him to grief. 00:10:03.200 --> 00:10:07.100 The will of the Lord shall prosper in his hand. 00:10:07.879 --> 00:10:10.160 It was God the Father's will for this to happen. 00:10:11.500 --> 00:10:12.600 Jesus knew that. 00:10:13.600 --> 00:10:15.020 Jesus knew it would prosper. 00:10:15.560 --> 00:10:21.080 And he was determined to get to Jerusalem in order that it would take place. 00:10:23.140 --> 00:10:25.300 It's not as if he was an unwilling participant. 00:10:25.299 --> 00:10:29.259 Jesus is one with the Father and the Spirit. 00:10:30.039 --> 00:10:31.979 That makes this his divine will. 00:10:33.139 --> 00:10:35.620 And he said as much in John chapter 10, 00:10:36.620 --> 00:10:39.099 I lay down my life that I may take it up again. 00:10:39.740 --> 00:10:41.500 No one takes it from me, 00:10:42.039 --> 00:10:44.199 but I lay it down of my own accord. 00:10:44.979 --> 00:10:48.859 I have authority to lay it down, Jesus says. 00:10:49.539 --> 00:10:52.679 And I have authority to take it up again. 00:10:52.679 --> 00:10:55.459 This charge I have received from my Father. 00:10:55.679 --> 00:10:57.899 He says that he was an unwilling participant. 00:10:58.099 --> 00:10:59.679 He wanted to do this. 00:11:00.439 --> 00:11:03.719 He was determined to do this. 00:11:04.399 --> 00:11:08.279 But he never spoke of this with the spirit of doom and gloom. 00:11:09.000 --> 00:11:11.459 In every prediction of his own death, 00:11:11.599 --> 00:11:14.039 we have the assurance of his resurrection. 00:11:14.439 --> 00:11:16.419 In every one of them, he says, 00:11:16.599 --> 00:11:19.639 after three days, I will rise. 00:11:20.639 --> 00:11:22.639 He insisted on his resurrection. 00:11:23.659 --> 00:11:24.859 And he did that too. 00:11:25.059 --> 00:11:27.079 All of these things he did, he fulfilled. 00:11:30.599 --> 00:11:35.339 Jesus could precisely predict his coming fate 00:11:35.339 --> 00:11:39.259 because that was the whole reason that he came. 00:11:41.079 --> 00:11:44.399 And now he's there and he's on the road 00:11:44.399 --> 00:11:49.579 and everybody around him can sense something big is coming. 00:11:50.540 --> 00:11:52.600 Many of them don't realize what it is. 00:11:53.100 --> 00:11:56.200 Some of them are hardened to what he said, 00:11:56.300 --> 00:11:57.879 but he's on the way. 00:11:59.400 --> 00:12:01.400 And then the question is, well, why? 00:12:01.399 --> 00:12:06.159 Why is Jesus so determined to do this? 00:12:07.579 --> 00:12:09.500 Why did he care to come? 00:12:11.799 --> 00:12:13.579 Hebrews chapter nine says, 00:12:13.580 --> 00:12:15.560 without the shedding of blood, 00:12:15.560 --> 00:12:18.060 there is no forgiveness of sins. 00:12:19.100 --> 00:12:23.100 But as it is, he has appeared once for all 00:12:23.100 --> 00:12:28.940 to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. 00:12:28.940 --> 00:12:31.600 Why did Jesus do this? 00:12:32.220 --> 00:12:33.820 Why was he so determined? 00:12:34.460 --> 00:12:38.260 Because there was no other way for you and I 00:12:38.260 --> 00:12:40.260 to know forgiveness of sins. 00:12:40.900 --> 00:12:45.100 There's no other way for us to receive eternal life. 00:12:45.100 --> 00:12:47.759 As we talked about over Christmas, 00:12:47.759 --> 00:12:52.560 it was out of his everlasting love that he came. 00:12:53.560 --> 00:12:57.720 It was out of love that he was set, determined, 00:12:58.340 --> 00:13:01.120 resolutely pursuing his messianic purpose 00:13:01.120 --> 00:13:05.480 on the way to Jerusalem for you, for me. 00:13:07.060 --> 00:13:08.159 And he welcomes, 00:13:08.560 --> 00:13:12.440 he welcomes all who will come to him in faith. 00:13:12.440 --> 00:13:16.120 Do you want your sins forgiven? 00:13:17.880 --> 00:13:21.740 Do you want to know eternal life with God 00:13:21.740 --> 00:13:24.840 to be reconciled to him? 00:13:26.360 --> 00:13:28.200 That's why Jesus came, 00:13:28.580 --> 00:13:30.680 to provide that salvation. 00:13:31.360 --> 00:13:33.320 And if you but come to him in faith, 00:13:34.260 --> 00:13:40.200 he will receive you and forgive you and love you. 00:13:42.440 --> 00:13:44.500 Well, this is the third gospel proclamation 00:13:44.500 --> 00:13:47.280 that Jesus has given to his disciples. 00:13:47.280 --> 00:13:50.340 And it's the backdrop of what unfolds in this event 00:13:50.340 --> 00:13:52.280 with James and John and the other disciples. 00:13:53.320 --> 00:13:55.480 So we see this backdrop of the gospel. 00:13:55.620 --> 00:13:58.260 Now I want you to see in verses 35 to 41, 00:13:59.260 --> 00:14:00.520 their desire for glory. 00:14:01.400 --> 00:14:02.720 Their desire for glory. 00:14:03.460 --> 00:14:05.580 Now I mentioned Luke chapter 18 a moment ago. 00:14:06.080 --> 00:14:09.700 Luke said that when Jesus was teaching this to his disciples, 00:14:09.700 --> 00:14:12.759 he emphasized that this was everything that the Old Testament 00:14:12.759 --> 00:14:14.320 had foretold would take place. 00:14:14.780 --> 00:14:16.759 But then Luke follows that up with this. 00:14:17.920 --> 00:14:19.620 But they understood none of these things. 00:14:20.640 --> 00:14:22.259 The saying was hidden from them. 00:14:23.200 --> 00:14:24.720 They did not grasp what was said. 00:14:26.440 --> 00:14:29.240 Now it wasn't that the 12 didn't understand the words 00:14:29.240 --> 00:14:30.480 that Jesus was saying, 00:14:31.060 --> 00:14:32.780 but they couldn't come to grips 00:14:32.780 --> 00:14:35.960 with the thought of a Messiah who would suffer and die. 00:14:35.960 --> 00:14:40.320 Their hearts had been hardened to Jesus's true purpose. 00:14:40.440 --> 00:14:43.379 They were hoping to get the glory without the cross. 00:14:43.560 --> 00:14:45.060 Surely there was another way. 00:14:45.259 --> 00:14:48.440 Surely he is going to bring the kingdom now. 00:14:48.879 --> 00:14:51.800 And they expected that this trip to Jerusalem 00:14:51.800 --> 00:14:55.200 would establish a political kingdom, 00:14:55.960 --> 00:14:57.720 a physical kingdom on earth 00:14:57.720 --> 00:15:00.180 over which they would rule with Jesus. 00:15:01.060 --> 00:15:03.860 And it was this misunderstanding of Jesus's purpose 00:15:03.860 --> 00:15:05.720 that led to the exchange. 00:15:06.340 --> 00:15:08.779 And I want you to look at their selfish request, 00:15:08.860 --> 00:15:10.800 at least James and John's in verse 35. 00:15:12.000 --> 00:15:13.700 James and John, the sons of Zebedee, 00:15:13.800 --> 00:15:15.240 came up to him and said to him, 00:15:16.080 --> 00:15:17.560 Teacher, we want you to do for us 00:15:17.560 --> 00:15:18.740 whatever we ask of you. 00:15:19.560 --> 00:15:20.560 And he said to them, 00:15:20.580 --> 00:15:21.840 What do you want me to do for you? 00:15:22.620 --> 00:15:23.759 And they said to him, 00:15:24.480 --> 00:15:25.580 Grant us to sit, 00:15:26.220 --> 00:15:27.500 one at your right hand 00:15:27.500 --> 00:15:29.519 and one at your left, 00:15:30.259 --> 00:15:31.019 in your glory. 00:15:31.019 --> 00:15:34.279 Now I want you to think about this for just a second. 00:15:36.100 --> 00:15:37.759 Perhaps some time had passed 00:15:37.759 --> 00:15:40.879 between verses 34 and verses 35, 00:15:41.120 --> 00:15:43.460 but it's still all in the context 00:15:43.460 --> 00:15:45.220 of on the way to Jericho. 00:15:45.360 --> 00:15:46.500 Couldn't have been that much time. 00:15:48.980 --> 00:15:51.199 Jesus opens up once again. 00:15:52.159 --> 00:15:55.860 I have come to die for you. 00:15:55.860 --> 00:16:00.419 And the first thing on James and John's mind, 00:16:00.560 --> 00:16:01.680 and really all of them, 00:16:02.240 --> 00:16:06.180 is what kind of glory will we get out of this? 00:16:07.759 --> 00:16:11.300 Lord, will you let us sit in the places of honor 00:16:11.300 --> 00:16:14.240 when you finally establish this kingdom? 00:16:15.600 --> 00:16:17.379 They were essentially asking Jesus 00:16:17.379 --> 00:16:20.560 to write a blank check to fulfill their wishes. 00:16:20.700 --> 00:16:21.899 Notice the first thing they say. 00:16:21.899 --> 00:16:26.600 Lord, we want you to do whatever it is we ask of you. 00:16:27.379 --> 00:16:29.600 Matthew tells us they were so serious about it, 00:16:29.659 --> 00:16:31.220 they invited their mother to come along 00:16:31.220 --> 00:16:32.659 and actually be their spokesman. 00:16:34.799 --> 00:16:36.819 Lord, do whatever we ask. 00:16:37.939 --> 00:16:39.980 Write the blank check. 00:16:41.340 --> 00:16:42.519 Rather than seeking 00:16:42.519 --> 00:16:45.480 and surrendering to the Lord's will, 00:16:46.480 --> 00:16:47.899 they approached the Lord selfishly, 00:16:49.519 --> 00:16:51.519 concerned with what they wanted from him. 00:16:51.899 --> 00:16:52.500 First. 00:16:53.879 --> 00:16:56.159 It's not so uncommon for us to fail 00:16:56.159 --> 00:16:57.519 in the same way as it is. 00:16:58.459 --> 00:17:01.360 Coming to God as if he's duty-bound 00:17:01.360 --> 00:17:03.539 to fulfill and grant 00:17:03.539 --> 00:17:05.579 our most passionate desires. 00:17:06.599 --> 00:17:08.720 Isn't that where they first go wrong here? 00:17:10.059 --> 00:17:11.559 Jesus has just said, 00:17:11.759 --> 00:17:13.440 I have actually come to give you everything, 00:17:13.579 --> 00:17:14.700 but that's not registering. 00:17:15.259 --> 00:17:16.920 They're thinking we want more. 00:17:17.200 --> 00:17:19.059 Lord, do whatever we ask of you. 00:17:19.139 --> 00:17:21.279 And Jesus is so gracious with them, isn't he? 00:17:21.279 --> 00:17:23.500 Lord, what is it that you ask? 00:17:24.700 --> 00:17:26.559 When they finally get to the request, 00:17:26.639 --> 00:17:28.079 we find that what they desired 00:17:28.079 --> 00:17:30.720 was glory and power 00:17:30.720 --> 00:17:32.279 in God's kingdom. 00:17:32.279 --> 00:17:36.119 They wanted to be in the highest places of honor 00:17:36.119 --> 00:17:38.579 when Jesus brought his kingdom to earth. 00:17:39.819 --> 00:17:41.420 The seats that they requested, 00:17:41.539 --> 00:17:42.500 the right hand and the left, 00:17:42.579 --> 00:17:45.639 they were the customary positions of thrones. 00:17:46.319 --> 00:17:48.119 The king would be in the center. 00:17:48.819 --> 00:17:51.019 His right hand man would be on the right. 00:17:51.119 --> 00:17:52.299 That's where we get that phrase from. 00:17:52.359 --> 00:17:55.019 His second in command is going to be on the right. 00:17:55.119 --> 00:17:57.619 And then third in command is going to be on the left. 00:17:57.619 --> 00:17:59.159 There's levels of power, 00:17:59.279 --> 00:18:01.699 but they recognize Jesus is in the middle. 00:18:02.639 --> 00:18:03.699 Jesus is preeminent, 00:18:03.839 --> 00:18:05.899 but we want to be above everybody else. 00:18:05.979 --> 00:18:07.699 That's what they're asking for. 00:18:07.799 --> 00:18:09.059 We want to be above everybody else. 00:18:09.119 --> 00:18:09.899 We want the glory. 00:18:10.739 --> 00:18:12.619 We want the power and the control to sit. 00:18:12.739 --> 00:18:13.739 We don't want yours, 00:18:14.079 --> 00:18:16.039 but we want it over everybody else. 00:18:16.099 --> 00:18:16.899 That's their desire. 00:18:17.019 --> 00:18:19.679 That's what they're asking Jesus for now. 00:18:20.319 --> 00:18:22.039 Even rabbis, from what I've read, 00:18:22.479 --> 00:18:24.699 followed a similar picture to this. 00:18:24.700 --> 00:18:28.319 If they were traveling and walking with two of their disciples, 00:18:28.440 --> 00:18:29.740 the greater would be on the right 00:18:29.740 --> 00:18:31.640 and the lesser would be on their left. 00:18:31.759 --> 00:18:34.400 That's what James and John are requesting. 00:18:36.400 --> 00:18:37.620 R.C. Sproul said that 00:18:37.620 --> 00:18:41.279 there's something about being created in God's image 00:18:41.279 --> 00:18:46.200 that produces in us an aspiration for significance. 00:18:47.660 --> 00:18:49.900 And there's not necessarily anything wrong with that. 00:18:49.980 --> 00:18:51.920 God has put that in us. 00:18:51.920 --> 00:18:54.279 We all want our lives to count. 00:18:55.000 --> 00:18:57.320 We want to live a life that isn't meaningless 00:18:57.320 --> 00:19:01.539 or purposeless or insignificant or wasted. 00:19:02.220 --> 00:19:06.779 But there's a difference between an aspiration for significance 00:19:06.779 --> 00:19:10.860 and a desire to dominate everyone else. 00:19:12.420 --> 00:19:16.700 And we do with this idea what we do with everything else. 00:19:16.700 --> 00:19:19.840 God puts in us something good, 00:19:20.319 --> 00:19:23.860 a desire for significance to make our lives count 00:19:23.860 --> 00:19:26.140 and then sin in us perverts 00:19:26.140 --> 00:19:28.580 and mars that image of God in us 00:19:28.580 --> 00:19:32.100 so that what we end up doing is turning it into something else. 00:19:32.660 --> 00:19:35.900 We turn it into a search for self-glory. 00:19:36.900 --> 00:19:39.819 We're consumed with self-interest 00:19:39.819 --> 00:19:42.539 and the whole idea becomes self-serving. 00:19:42.740 --> 00:19:45.639 It diminishes the values of others that God has created. 00:19:47.339 --> 00:19:49.259 It's good for us to want our lives to count. 00:19:50.559 --> 00:19:52.359 Now, I want you to ask yourself this morning, 00:19:52.759 --> 00:19:55.419 who do you want your life to count for? 00:19:55.420 --> 00:19:58.240 In your pursuit, 00:19:58.759 --> 00:20:00.220 in the things that you do, 00:20:00.279 --> 00:20:02.320 the things that you really are working hard at 00:20:02.320 --> 00:20:04.160 and you're really aiming your time at, 00:20:04.200 --> 00:20:05.720 the focus of your mind, 00:20:06.740 --> 00:20:07.940 are you pursuing, 00:20:08.640 --> 00:20:12.320 are you pursuing that your life would count for you 00:20:12.320 --> 00:20:15.720 or that it would count for God? 00:20:17.000 --> 00:20:18.200 That's the difference. 00:20:19.700 --> 00:20:21.800 James and John are in a position here, 00:20:21.799 --> 00:20:24.440 they're not concerned with glory and power 00:20:24.440 --> 00:20:28.279 in order that they might first serve the Lord with it. 00:20:28.419 --> 00:20:30.460 They're looking for glory and power 00:20:30.460 --> 00:20:33.940 in order that they might exalt themselves with it. 00:20:34.159 --> 00:20:37.159 They want their lives to count for them. 00:20:39.339 --> 00:20:43.980 Is your pursuit of significance motivated by the glory of God? 00:20:46.919 --> 00:20:49.879 The brothers hope to honor Jesus, says James Edwards. 00:20:49.880 --> 00:20:52.800 While honoring themselves, 00:20:53.220 --> 00:20:58.680 how easily worship and discipleship are blended with self-interest. 00:20:58.940 --> 00:21:06.280 Or worse, self-interest is masked as worship and discipleship. 00:21:07.360 --> 00:21:09.540 We see there's selfish requests. 00:21:10.280 --> 00:21:11.960 Then we see an ignorant claim. 00:21:12.540 --> 00:21:13.460 Look at verse 38. 00:21:14.320 --> 00:21:15.140 Jesus said to them, 00:21:15.200 --> 00:21:16.400 you do not know what you're asking. 00:21:17.220 --> 00:21:18.900 Guys, you don't know what you're talking about. 00:21:18.900 --> 00:21:22.060 Are you able to drink the cup that I drink 00:21:22.060 --> 00:21:25.519 or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized? 00:21:26.960 --> 00:21:28.540 This is a rhetorical question. 00:21:28.680 --> 00:21:30.000 It demands a negative answer. 00:21:30.120 --> 00:21:32.600 They can't do what Jesus has come to do. 00:21:32.660 --> 00:21:36.220 Therefore, they can't experience the same glory that he experiences. 00:21:36.320 --> 00:21:37.019 But he goes on. 00:21:37.280 --> 00:21:38.420 And they said to him, we're able. 00:21:39.720 --> 00:21:40.620 Jesus said to them, 00:21:40.680 --> 00:21:42.460 the cup that I drink, you will drink. 00:21:42.980 --> 00:21:45.200 And with the baptism with which I am baptized, 00:21:45.200 --> 00:21:46.220 you will be baptized. 00:21:46.220 --> 00:21:50.839 But to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, 00:21:51.380 --> 00:21:53.960 but it is for those for whom it has been prepared. 00:21:54.960 --> 00:21:57.980 So Jesus immediately acknowledges their ignorance. 00:21:58.819 --> 00:22:03.700 Because they had misunderstood Jesus' purpose, 00:22:03.940 --> 00:22:06.740 they didn't understand what they were actually asking for here. 00:22:06.740 --> 00:22:12.940 Because the place of honor comes at the end of the path of suffering and surrender. 00:22:14.259 --> 00:22:18.500 But the brothers wanted the glory of the kingdom without the cross. 00:22:19.920 --> 00:22:24.519 So Jesus says, guys, you don't realize what you're asking. 00:22:26.299 --> 00:22:28.900 You're ignorant about this right now. 00:22:29.200 --> 00:22:30.380 Your hearts are hard. 00:22:30.380 --> 00:22:37.300 The Old Testament often used this metaphor of drinking the cup 00:22:37.300 --> 00:22:41.180 as a symbol of facing God's wrath for sin. 00:22:42.900 --> 00:22:45.720 Baptism doesn't usually carry that same meaning, 00:22:45.860 --> 00:22:48.000 but the context here demands that 00:22:48.000 --> 00:22:51.760 Jesus was referring to his suffering with this analogy. 00:22:51.759 --> 00:22:58.200 Only Jesus was able to drink the cup in place of sinners. 00:22:59.400 --> 00:23:04.279 But all disciples will have to identify with it in some way. 00:23:05.859 --> 00:23:08.680 The brothers were ignorant of this truth, 00:23:09.039 --> 00:23:13.160 and they answered the Lord with tremendous overconfidence. 00:23:13.160 --> 00:23:16.540 They said, we're able. 00:23:17.040 --> 00:23:17.360 Yeah. 00:23:18.420 --> 00:23:21.080 And I think probably what they have in mind is 00:23:21.080 --> 00:23:24.980 is bearing their swords and being prepared to fight 00:23:24.980 --> 00:23:26.660 to establish this kingdom in Jerusalem. 00:23:26.660 --> 00:23:29.360 I think that might be where their minds are in this moment. 00:23:29.480 --> 00:23:32.340 And Jesus is saying, are you prepared to do what's necessary? 00:23:32.519 --> 00:23:33.920 Yes, we're ready. 00:23:34.600 --> 00:23:36.740 But they were, because they didn't really know what they were asking. 00:23:38.380 --> 00:23:41.000 In all honesty, a week later, 00:23:41.000 --> 00:23:44.059 they were going to abandon the Lord out of fear. 00:23:46.240 --> 00:23:48.519 Rather than lay their lives down for Christ, 00:23:49.160 --> 00:23:51.400 they were going to run in fear 00:23:51.400 --> 00:23:53.400 that their lives were going to be taken. 00:23:54.680 --> 00:23:58.019 And then we see Jesus is just tenderness here. 00:23:58.160 --> 00:24:01.779 He doesn't drop the hammer on these men in this moment. 00:24:02.059 --> 00:24:03.279 He teaches them. 00:24:03.460 --> 00:24:04.599 He helps them. 00:24:06.259 --> 00:24:10.559 Though he recognized that it was the Father 00:24:10.559 --> 00:24:14.980 who grants and has the authority to assign glory. 00:24:15.940 --> 00:24:17.740 Jesus did imply here 00:24:17.740 --> 00:24:25.399 that true disciples will experience a measure of glory and honor 00:24:25.399 --> 00:24:26.899 in eternity. 00:24:27.339 --> 00:24:28.539 Do you pick up on that? 00:24:29.579 --> 00:24:31.919 He says, it's not mine to grant. 00:24:33.759 --> 00:24:36.460 He says, that's prepared ahead of time. 00:24:36.940 --> 00:24:38.319 God has established that. 00:24:38.319 --> 00:24:40.319 And what he wants will come to fruition. 00:24:40.539 --> 00:24:42.779 He's insinuating, he's implying there 00:24:42.779 --> 00:24:44.779 that there will be glory in the kingdom. 00:24:45.159 --> 00:24:47.939 There will be honor in the kingdom. 00:24:48.319 --> 00:24:51.480 But the path of that glory 00:24:51.480 --> 00:24:53.839 is the same path of suffering and surrender 00:24:53.839 --> 00:24:55.500 as Jesus walked. 00:24:56.939 --> 00:24:58.379 In some sense, 00:24:58.839 --> 00:25:00.299 all who follow Jesus 00:25:00.299 --> 00:25:02.179 will drink this cup of suffering 00:25:02.179 --> 00:25:05.059 and endure this baptism of self-denial. 00:25:05.059 --> 00:25:08.279 This is just another description of discipleship 00:25:08.279 --> 00:25:11.579 that Jesus has repeated so often in Mark's gospel. 00:25:12.399 --> 00:25:14.379 We go back to chapter 8 00:25:14.379 --> 00:25:16.159 and we see what is it that Jesus says. 00:25:16.240 --> 00:25:17.359 If anyone will follow me, 00:25:17.399 --> 00:25:18.619 if you're going to be my disciple, 00:25:19.399 --> 00:25:21.000 you're going to have to deny yourself 00:25:21.000 --> 00:25:22.279 and take up your cross. 00:25:22.940 --> 00:25:24.619 Identify with this cup 00:25:24.619 --> 00:25:27.799 and follow me. 00:25:30.079 --> 00:25:32.099 But every disciple will in the end 00:25:32.099 --> 00:25:35.079 receive the glory and honor of God's kingdom. 00:25:35.959 --> 00:25:37.579 That's the promise of it. 00:25:38.359 --> 00:25:38.819 Do you see? 00:25:39.139 --> 00:25:40.279 That's the blessing of it. 00:25:41.519 --> 00:25:43.199 Paul wrote about this in Romans 8 00:25:43.199 --> 00:25:44.719 to help maybe bring some sense 00:25:44.719 --> 00:25:46.419 if I'm not making sense now. 00:25:47.079 --> 00:25:47.759 In Romans 8, 00:25:48.179 --> 00:25:49.199 right in the middle of the chapter, 00:25:49.759 --> 00:25:51.319 Paul talks about how those of us 00:25:51.319 --> 00:25:52.539 who belong to God, 00:25:52.700 --> 00:25:55.359 disciples are joint heirs with Jesus. 00:25:55.899 --> 00:25:58.579 We are adopted into the family of God. 00:25:58.679 --> 00:25:59.480 You recognize that? 00:25:59.619 --> 00:26:02.579 That means that we are with Jesus in this 00:26:02.579 --> 00:26:04.200 and what we receive in glory 00:26:04.200 --> 00:26:05.799 and the benefits of the kingdom. 00:26:06.159 --> 00:26:09.019 We get to enjoy that along with Jesus 00:26:09.019 --> 00:26:12.339 as we have been adopted into the family of God. 00:26:12.720 --> 00:26:13.579 That's what Paul's saying. 00:26:13.779 --> 00:26:14.819 Here's what he wrote about it. 00:26:14.819 --> 00:26:18.159 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit 00:26:18.159 --> 00:26:19.599 that we are the children of God. 00:26:19.599 --> 00:26:21.579 And if children, then heirs. 00:26:22.279 --> 00:26:23.219 Heirs of God. 00:26:23.659 --> 00:26:24.959 Fellow heirs with Christ. 00:26:25.899 --> 00:26:29.859 Provided that we suffer with him 00:26:29.859 --> 00:26:34.879 in order that we may also be glorified with him. 00:26:36.379 --> 00:26:37.539 But then he says, 00:26:38.219 --> 00:26:39.119 very next verse, 00:26:39.779 --> 00:26:44.000 but I consider that the sufferings of this present time 00:26:44.000 --> 00:26:45.960 are not worth comparing 00:26:45.960 --> 00:26:52.140 with the glory that is to be revealed in us. 00:26:54.700 --> 00:26:55.619 Do you see? 00:26:57.460 --> 00:26:59.539 Jesus was teaching it to his disciples. 00:27:00.220 --> 00:27:02.119 Paul was teaching it to the Romans. 00:27:02.480 --> 00:27:05.680 There is wonderful glory for those who belong to Christ, 00:27:05.680 --> 00:27:07.579 but it comes on the path of suffering. 00:27:07.980 --> 00:27:09.940 It comes on the path of sacrifice. 00:27:09.940 --> 00:27:12.779 It comes on the baptism of self-denial, 00:27:13.100 --> 00:27:14.799 of denying everything else in this life 00:27:14.799 --> 00:27:16.960 and pursuing him alone. 00:27:17.140 --> 00:27:20.180 And at the end of that pursuit is the glory of the kingdom. 00:27:21.799 --> 00:27:24.360 You will in some measure drink this cup. 00:27:25.400 --> 00:27:29.039 You will in some measure experience this baptism. 00:27:29.039 --> 00:27:32.980 And where you are in terms of honor in the kingdom, 00:27:33.259 --> 00:27:35.420 that authority belongs to the Father. 00:27:35.920 --> 00:27:38.859 But rest in the promise that glory awaits 00:27:38.859 --> 00:27:40.139 all who belong to God. 00:27:42.119 --> 00:27:45.859 Then we see the indignant friends in verse 41. 00:27:47.680 --> 00:27:49.200 And when the 10 heard it, 00:27:49.759 --> 00:27:52.779 they began to be indignant at James and John. 00:27:54.099 --> 00:27:55.039 Greatly angered. 00:27:55.039 --> 00:27:58.980 Immediately it's a reminder that 00:27:58.980 --> 00:28:01.399 a selfish desire for glory 00:28:01.399 --> 00:28:03.659 always disrupts our relationships with others. 00:28:04.879 --> 00:28:06.819 But why exactly are they angry here? 00:28:08.659 --> 00:28:10.720 Well, one, James and John were bad friends. 00:28:12.480 --> 00:28:17.019 For them to be honored in the places of power in the kingdom 00:28:17.019 --> 00:28:19.000 means that they thought they were more worthy 00:28:19.000 --> 00:28:20.319 than everybody else in the group. 00:28:21.619 --> 00:28:22.859 They're bad friends. 00:28:22.859 --> 00:28:27.299 And it's in secrecy that they go to Jesus 00:28:27.299 --> 00:28:28.699 to try to make this happen. 00:28:28.779 --> 00:28:32.059 They're trying to pull one over on their buddies at this point. 00:28:32.119 --> 00:28:33.659 But I think there's more to it than this. 00:28:34.339 --> 00:28:38.639 I think there's probably a measure of annoyance 00:28:38.639 --> 00:28:41.659 and maybe animosity in the hearts of the other disciples 00:28:41.659 --> 00:28:43.699 because James and John beat them to the punch. 00:28:45.259 --> 00:28:46.859 Every one of them probably would have asked 00:28:46.859 --> 00:28:47.899 the same thing of Jesus. 00:28:48.459 --> 00:28:50.639 James and John saw an opportunity with their mom 00:28:50.640 --> 00:28:53.180 to ask him before they actually got to Jerusalem. 00:28:53.480 --> 00:28:55.360 And now everybody's irritated about it. 00:28:56.040 --> 00:28:56.660 Everybody's mad. 00:28:56.740 --> 00:28:59.100 Perhaps they've broken out into another one of those arguments 00:28:59.100 --> 00:29:00.440 about who's the greatest. 00:29:00.620 --> 00:29:03.980 We've already seen them do that in Mark's gospel. 00:29:05.120 --> 00:29:06.560 And so what does Jesus do? 00:29:07.759 --> 00:29:09.080 He brings them all together 00:29:09.079 --> 00:29:11.039 and he sits them down 00:29:11.039 --> 00:29:13.019 and he teaches them a lesson 00:29:13.019 --> 00:29:14.980 about what authority is like 00:29:14.980 --> 00:29:17.879 and how it is exercised in the kingdom. 00:29:18.279 --> 00:29:21.159 And that's where we see our final point for the morning, 00:29:21.240 --> 00:29:22.720 the responsibility of authority. 00:29:24.639 --> 00:29:27.819 Jesus' introduction or instruction here 00:29:27.819 --> 00:29:33.019 was not about how they could gain authority. 00:29:33.299 --> 00:29:35.000 That's not what this lesson is. 00:29:35.000 --> 00:29:39.839 But it was on how they were to exercise it 00:29:39.839 --> 00:29:42.720 when they found themselves inevitably 00:29:42.720 --> 00:29:45.480 in some type of position of power. 00:29:46.599 --> 00:29:49.140 Power and glory aren't to be the pursuit of our lives, 00:29:49.599 --> 00:29:52.140 but all of us will be entrusted 00:29:52.140 --> 00:29:53.099 with some measure of power. 00:29:53.220 --> 00:29:55.980 Every one of us will be in some sense. 00:29:56.740 --> 00:29:58.440 And what Jesus taught in these verses 00:29:58.440 --> 00:30:00.920 is how we're to view it and use it. 00:30:01.019 --> 00:30:01.740 Let's look at it quickly. 00:30:01.900 --> 00:30:03.140 First, the role of power. 00:30:03.140 --> 00:30:04.460 Verse 42. 00:30:05.780 --> 00:30:08.140 Jesus called them to him and said to them, 00:30:08.540 --> 00:30:11.900 you know that those who are considered rulers 00:30:11.900 --> 00:30:13.840 of the Gentiles lord it over them 00:30:13.840 --> 00:30:18.040 and their great ones exercise authority over them. 00:30:19.360 --> 00:30:21.860 But it shall not be so among you. 00:30:23.360 --> 00:30:25.720 But whoever would be great among you 00:30:25.720 --> 00:30:26.980 must be your servant. 00:30:28.120 --> 00:30:29.940 Whoever would be first among you 00:30:29.940 --> 00:30:32.680 must be slave of all. 00:30:33.140 --> 00:30:36.980 Jesus immediately reminds the disciples 00:30:36.980 --> 00:30:40.060 that their lives were to be very different 00:30:40.060 --> 00:30:42.300 from the unbelieving world around them. 00:30:43.740 --> 00:30:45.380 They were acting like the world. 00:30:46.720 --> 00:30:48.500 Their animosity with one another, 00:30:48.620 --> 00:30:50.580 their pursuit of this power and this control 00:30:50.580 --> 00:30:52.020 and this self-glory, 00:30:52.160 --> 00:30:56.000 that was not an example of one who belongs to the kingdom. 00:30:56.140 --> 00:30:59.240 That was one who belongs to this world. 00:30:59.240 --> 00:31:02.579 Both the Roman and the Jewish views of power 00:31:02.579 --> 00:31:04.779 were concerned only with dominating others 00:31:04.779 --> 00:31:06.400 and exalting the self. 00:31:06.539 --> 00:31:08.759 But Jesus said that those who follow him 00:31:08.759 --> 00:31:10.620 must operate differently than that. 00:31:11.980 --> 00:31:13.259 Like the disciples, 00:31:13.460 --> 00:31:16.279 we are immersed in a society 00:31:16.279 --> 00:31:18.940 that is ruthless and self-consumed 00:31:18.940 --> 00:31:23.019 and its influence is destroying families and churches 00:31:23.019 --> 00:31:27.099 who are looking increasingly less and less like Jesus. 00:31:27.900 --> 00:31:31.079 And we can't overstate this fact enough 00:31:31.079 --> 00:31:35.700 that Christians are not to follow the way of the world, 00:31:35.819 --> 00:31:37.680 but the way of Christ. 00:31:37.680 --> 00:31:39.299 So Jesus says, 00:31:39.820 --> 00:31:43.640 this ought not to be so among you. 00:31:44.019 --> 00:31:45.980 This is not how you should live, men. 00:31:47.900 --> 00:31:51.100 Jesus used two words in verses 43 to 44 00:31:51.100 --> 00:31:54.440 to illustrate the purpose and function of authority. 00:31:55.380 --> 00:31:58.299 Servant and slave. 00:31:59.220 --> 00:32:00.160 Servant and slave. 00:32:00.160 --> 00:32:00.640 Servant. 00:32:01.180 --> 00:32:03.660 The word for servant here is diakonos. 00:32:04.380 --> 00:32:08.500 It's the word we get the term deacon from in the church. 00:32:08.700 --> 00:32:12.400 It literally means to serve tables, a waiter, 00:32:13.060 --> 00:32:18.180 someone who stands by ready to serve the needs of someone else. 00:32:18.279 --> 00:32:18.940 That's the word. 00:32:19.759 --> 00:32:21.740 The word for slave is doulos, 00:32:22.120 --> 00:32:23.779 and it's exactly what you think it is. 00:32:24.400 --> 00:32:26.800 It's not like modern ideas of slavery 00:32:26.800 --> 00:32:28.080 that involves men stealing. 00:32:28.079 --> 00:32:30.679 That's not the context that Jesus is using that here. 00:32:31.119 --> 00:32:33.179 This is someone who, of their own accord, 00:32:33.539 --> 00:32:35.199 has surrendered all their rights, 00:32:35.679 --> 00:32:37.819 even surrendered over their identity 00:32:37.819 --> 00:32:39.659 in service to another. 00:32:40.019 --> 00:32:41.480 And Jesus says, in the kingdom, 00:32:41.699 --> 00:32:43.779 if you're gonna have power and authority, 00:32:43.879 --> 00:32:45.159 the great ones in the kingdom, 00:32:45.599 --> 00:32:47.079 this is what they do. 00:32:47.759 --> 00:32:49.359 This is not how they get it, 00:32:49.460 --> 00:32:50.980 but this is what they do. 00:32:51.399 --> 00:32:52.399 They serve. 00:32:53.319 --> 00:32:54.699 They're like waiters 00:32:54.699 --> 00:32:57.119 who wait over to the side 00:32:57.119 --> 00:32:58.500 until someone else has a need 00:32:58.500 --> 00:33:01.159 and they immediately rush to serve that need. 00:33:01.379 --> 00:33:02.979 That's greatness in the kingdom. 00:33:03.139 --> 00:33:04.399 That's power and authority 00:33:04.399 --> 00:33:05.559 and it's use in the kingdom. 00:33:06.159 --> 00:33:08.099 But they're also the slave of all. 00:33:08.539 --> 00:33:10.439 They surrender all self-interest. 00:33:10.979 --> 00:33:12.500 They surrender their own identity. 00:33:13.079 --> 00:33:14.719 They surrender their own desires 00:33:14.719 --> 00:33:16.059 and their own wants 00:33:16.059 --> 00:33:18.259 in the benefit of others, 00:33:18.699 --> 00:33:21.279 serving others with the position 00:33:21.279 --> 00:33:22.259 and the responsibility 00:33:22.259 --> 00:33:25.160 that God has given them. 00:33:26.440 --> 00:33:28.660 And let's put this into a practical perspective 00:33:28.660 --> 00:33:29.379 for just a moment. 00:33:31.639 --> 00:33:34.779 The New Testament consistently teaches this principle 00:33:34.779 --> 00:33:35.700 over and over. 00:33:36.200 --> 00:33:39.139 It emphasizes it in especially two categories, 00:33:39.720 --> 00:33:42.240 the home and the church. 00:33:42.240 --> 00:33:45.420 In the home, 00:33:45.680 --> 00:33:47.099 the emphasis is on husbands. 00:33:48.440 --> 00:33:48.960 Husbands, 00:33:49.740 --> 00:33:53.359 your place of leadership in your home 00:33:53.359 --> 00:33:57.120 is not for you to dominate your wife 00:33:57.120 --> 00:33:59.960 and dominate your children. 00:34:01.240 --> 00:34:02.799 It's to serve them, 00:34:03.019 --> 00:34:05.319 to love them, 00:34:05.880 --> 00:34:09.159 to give your life for them. 00:34:10.500 --> 00:34:11.380 Ephesians 5, 00:34:11.380 --> 00:34:12.079 Husbands, 00:34:12.980 --> 00:34:13.980 love your wives 00:34:13.980 --> 00:34:17.400 as Christ loved the church 00:34:17.400 --> 00:34:21.720 and gave himself for it. 00:34:24.260 --> 00:34:25.840 Can I ask you men, 00:34:26.539 --> 00:34:30.420 the way that you exercise headship in your home 00:34:30.420 --> 00:34:31.920 that God has given you, 00:34:33.220 --> 00:34:35.700 does it reflect Christ 00:34:35.700 --> 00:34:38.820 in the way that he gave himself 00:34:38.820 --> 00:34:40.140 for his bride? 00:34:41.380 --> 00:34:45.640 The way that you love and care 00:34:45.640 --> 00:34:48.480 and nurture your wife and children, 00:34:48.980 --> 00:34:51.300 is it self-sacrifice? 00:34:51.300 --> 00:34:58.940 Or is your leadership exemplified rather as self-interest? 00:34:59.900 --> 00:35:01.500 They are here for me. 00:35:02.220 --> 00:35:04.019 They support me. 00:35:04.740 --> 00:35:06.640 They do what I want, 00:35:06.900 --> 00:35:08.039 no questions asked. 00:35:09.900 --> 00:35:11.900 That's the world's view of power. 00:35:12.600 --> 00:35:14.420 That ought not be so among you. 00:35:14.420 --> 00:35:18.139 Colossians 3, 00:35:18.139 --> 00:35:19.300 Husbands, 00:35:19.300 --> 00:35:21.260 love your wives. 00:35:22.300 --> 00:35:24.360 Do not be harsh with them. 00:35:25.400 --> 00:35:26.780 Peter would later say, 00:35:27.139 --> 00:35:28.780 dwell with them according to knowledge. 00:35:30.200 --> 00:35:30.840 Nurture them. 00:35:31.360 --> 00:35:32.079 Protect them. 00:35:32.940 --> 00:35:33.599 Fathers, 00:35:34.159 --> 00:35:34.740 Paul writes, 00:35:34.739 --> 00:35:37.559 Do not provoke your children 00:35:37.559 --> 00:35:41.059 lest they become discouraged. 00:35:41.859 --> 00:35:42.459 Rather, 00:35:43.199 --> 00:35:44.659 train them in the nurture, 00:35:46.079 --> 00:35:47.399 admonition of the Lord. 00:35:48.299 --> 00:35:49.279 Do you see the difference 00:35:49.279 --> 00:35:50.599 between the world and the kingdom? 00:35:50.599 --> 00:35:53.960 It's not a denial of the fact 00:35:53.960 --> 00:35:56.579 that there are certain benefits and privileges 00:35:56.579 --> 00:35:58.099 that come with power and authority. 00:35:58.639 --> 00:36:00.860 It's not a denial of authority itself. 00:36:02.259 --> 00:36:04.380 Jesus isn't saying that if you serve people, 00:36:04.519 --> 00:36:05.779 you will become greater than them. 00:36:05.839 --> 00:36:06.739 That's not what he's saying. 00:36:06.860 --> 00:36:08.339 He's saying in the kingdom, 00:36:08.339 --> 00:36:11.099 when you are granted with power and authority 00:36:11.099 --> 00:36:14.059 and a measure of control 00:36:14.059 --> 00:36:16.380 or whatever it is that God has granted to you, 00:36:16.380 --> 00:36:18.559 the responsibility you have 00:36:18.559 --> 00:36:19.660 in the kingdom, 00:36:19.980 --> 00:36:20.920 you serve. 00:36:21.760 --> 00:36:23.000 You're a slave. 00:36:23.700 --> 00:36:25.360 You're a waiter of tables. 00:36:26.200 --> 00:36:27.559 That's what the great do. 00:36:28.860 --> 00:36:31.059 It's emphasized in the New Testament as well 00:36:31.059 --> 00:36:33.640 in terms of leadership in the church. 00:36:35.660 --> 00:36:37.599 Peter says in 1 Peter 5, 00:36:37.700 --> 00:36:39.140 I exhort the elders among you, 00:36:39.900 --> 00:36:42.160 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, 00:36:42.760 --> 00:36:44.200 exercising oversight. 00:36:44.199 --> 00:36:47.059 It doesn't deny headship. 00:36:47.579 --> 00:36:49.419 It doesn't deny authority. 00:36:49.859 --> 00:36:50.699 But he says, 00:36:51.500 --> 00:36:55.519 not domineering over those in your charge, 00:36:56.039 --> 00:36:58.259 but being examples to the flock. 00:37:00.159 --> 00:37:02.980 As the Lord sees fit to build his church here, 00:37:03.960 --> 00:37:07.639 as we're praying for leaders to be raised up 00:37:07.639 --> 00:37:09.779 and developed in our congregation here, 00:37:10.779 --> 00:37:13.259 when the time comes for us to, 00:37:13.260 --> 00:37:14.900 as members of our church, 00:37:15.020 --> 00:37:15.940 cast our vote, 00:37:16.220 --> 00:37:18.040 an affirmation of certain men 00:37:18.040 --> 00:37:19.780 to serve in these places of leadership, 00:37:19.780 --> 00:37:21.540 we're not looking for those 00:37:21.540 --> 00:37:23.260 who are the most capable and gifted. 00:37:23.580 --> 00:37:24.620 We're looking for those 00:37:24.620 --> 00:37:25.740 who are the ones that Jesus 00:37:25.740 --> 00:37:27.440 has put a desire in their heart, 00:37:27.520 --> 00:37:29.800 who has the character to follow after Christ, 00:37:29.880 --> 00:37:31.480 who will serve his church, 00:37:31.600 --> 00:37:33.000 not domineer over it. 00:37:35.640 --> 00:37:37.340 And if God cares so much 00:37:37.340 --> 00:37:39.400 for authority in the home 00:37:39.400 --> 00:37:40.539 and church, 00:37:40.539 --> 00:37:42.780 to function as servants and slaves, 00:37:42.780 --> 00:37:46.300 do you suppose that he thinks differently 00:37:46.300 --> 00:37:48.980 of the authority we exercise in other contexts? 00:37:50.400 --> 00:37:51.360 Of course not. 00:37:53.420 --> 00:37:55.039 You may not be the head of your home. 00:37:55.180 --> 00:37:56.639 You may not be a leader in the church, 00:37:56.639 --> 00:37:59.400 but God's given you some type of influence. 00:38:00.400 --> 00:38:02.200 Are you using that for your glory? 00:38:02.199 --> 00:38:06.079 Or are you using that to glorify the Lord? 00:38:07.159 --> 00:38:09.379 Are you a representative of this world 00:38:09.379 --> 00:38:11.659 in the way that you lead your crew at work? 00:38:12.819 --> 00:38:14.899 Or are you a representative of the kingdom? 00:38:16.539 --> 00:38:19.339 Do the people around you exist to serve you? 00:38:20.619 --> 00:38:23.000 Or are you there to serve them? 00:38:24.279 --> 00:38:25.859 We'll finish with verse 45. 00:38:26.500 --> 00:38:27.819 Here's the model to follow. 00:38:27.820 --> 00:38:32.160 For even the Son of Man, Jesus said, 00:38:32.780 --> 00:38:34.480 came not to be served, 00:38:35.160 --> 00:38:36.640 but to serve, 00:38:37.160 --> 00:38:40.820 and to give his life a ransom for many. 00:38:42.760 --> 00:38:44.519 Remember how we described discipleship 00:38:44.519 --> 00:38:45.019 at the beginning. 00:38:45.820 --> 00:38:48.539 To be a disciple is to follow Jesus in faith, 00:38:49.460 --> 00:38:50.700 imitating his life, 00:38:51.740 --> 00:38:52.880 and obeying his commands. 00:38:52.880 --> 00:38:56.980 We're to mimic the Lord Jesus 00:38:56.980 --> 00:38:58.200 in everything that we do. 00:39:00.340 --> 00:39:01.660 Jesus, we're told, 00:39:01.760 --> 00:39:02.980 is the creator of the world. 00:39:05.960 --> 00:39:07.640 He's the ruler of all that is. 00:39:09.280 --> 00:39:10.780 He is the sovereign Lord. 00:39:11.880 --> 00:39:13.140 He has all power, 00:39:13.860 --> 00:39:14.920 and all might, 00:39:15.559 --> 00:39:17.420 and all glory belongs to him. 00:39:17.980 --> 00:39:20.700 He is high and exalted above all. 00:39:20.699 --> 00:39:23.119 And how is it, 00:39:23.819 --> 00:39:25.000 in his example, 00:39:25.559 --> 00:39:27.839 that we see him exercising his authority 00:39:27.839 --> 00:39:29.339 for us to mimic? 00:39:31.159 --> 00:39:32.639 Not to be served, 00:39:33.079 --> 00:39:34.839 but to serve. 00:39:35.460 --> 00:39:35.839 How? 00:39:36.699 --> 00:39:38.039 By giving his life 00:39:38.039 --> 00:39:40.259 as a ransom. 00:39:42.439 --> 00:39:44.779 It's the first statement in Mark's gospel 00:39:44.779 --> 00:39:45.599 where we see 00:39:45.599 --> 00:39:48.819 Jesus plainly speaking of his death 00:39:48.819 --> 00:39:50.299 as a substitution. 00:39:50.699 --> 00:39:54.339 Men, 00:39:54.659 --> 00:39:56.099 follow me, 00:39:57.859 --> 00:39:58.639 Jesus says. 00:39:59.699 --> 00:40:00.659 The one 00:40:00.659 --> 00:40:02.480 who did not come to be served, 00:40:02.919 --> 00:40:05.099 but to give his life a ransom 00:40:05.099 --> 00:40:07.500 for wicked sinners. 00:40:10.179 --> 00:40:11.099 Alistair Begg said, 00:40:11.239 --> 00:40:11.719 the reversal 00:40:11.719 --> 00:40:13.859 of all human values 00:40:13.859 --> 00:40:16.779 is embodied in the Lord Jesus himself, 00:40:16.780 --> 00:40:19.460 both in the living of his life, 00:40:19.460 --> 00:40:21.660 and the giving of his life. 00:40:23.320 --> 00:40:24.960 Jesus stood before those men 00:40:24.960 --> 00:40:26.340 as Lord and God, 00:40:26.720 --> 00:40:27.780 and a week later, 00:40:27.980 --> 00:40:29.700 he's gonna get on his hands and knees 00:40:29.700 --> 00:40:31.160 and wash their feet. 00:40:31.159 --> 00:40:35.759 He is the God 00:40:35.759 --> 00:40:37.639 against whom they had sinned. 00:40:39.440 --> 00:40:40.819 Yet he gave his life 00:40:40.819 --> 00:40:41.579 as a ransom 00:40:41.579 --> 00:40:43.460 for theirs. 00:40:43.460 --> 00:40:47.139 And this truth first. 00:40:47.139 --> 00:40:48.119 It should prompt us. 00:40:48.179 --> 00:40:49.599 It should draw us to Christ. 00:40:50.920 --> 00:40:52.579 Won't you believe him? 00:40:53.980 --> 00:40:55.119 Follow him. 00:40:56.460 --> 00:40:58.000 Forgiveness awaits you. 00:40:58.860 --> 00:41:00.420 He did this for sinners. 00:41:00.420 --> 00:41:03.740 But then those of us 00:41:03.740 --> 00:41:04.920 that belong to his kingdom, 00:41:05.119 --> 00:41:06.320 disciples here today, 00:41:06.920 --> 00:41:09.380 this is our pattern to follow. 00:41:11.300 --> 00:41:12.559 If Jesus 00:41:12.559 --> 00:41:14.559 became the servant of all, 00:41:15.559 --> 00:41:16.519 why would we ever think 00:41:16.519 --> 00:41:17.019 that we 00:41:17.019 --> 00:41:19.139 are greater than anyone else? 00:41:19.139 --> 00:41:21.900 If Jesus 00:41:21.900 --> 00:41:23.319 exercised his authority 00:41:23.319 --> 00:41:24.359 and his power 00:41:24.359 --> 00:41:26.900 to serve sinners, 00:41:27.379 --> 00:41:28.980 how is it that you think 00:41:28.980 --> 00:41:30.379 we should exercise ours? 00:41:31.659 --> 00:41:32.940 We're to be servants. 00:41:34.799 --> 00:41:35.319 Slaves, 00:41:35.920 --> 00:41:36.199 even. 00:41:38.199 --> 00:41:38.719 Disciples.