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.
Current details of the journeyView the calendar, Episode and passage
Jesus in Action
Mark 10:35–45
Step 2 of 5
Read the exact words Jesus said.
Lumapit kay Hesus sina Santiago at Juan na mga anak ni Zebedeo at nagsabi, “Guro, may hihilingin po sana kami sa inyo.” “Ano ang kahilingan ninyo?” tanong ni Hesus. Sumagot sila, “Sana po, kapag naghahari na kayo ay paupuin nʼyo kami sa inyong tabi; isa sa kanan at isa sa kaliwa.” Ngunit sinabi ni Hesus sa kanila, “Hindi ninyo alam kung ano ang hinihingi ninyo. Kaya ba ninyong inumin ang nasa kopang iinuman ko? Makakaya ba ninyong mabautismuhan sa bautismong daranasin ko?” Sumagot sila, “Opo, kaya namin.” Sinabi ni Hesus, “Iinom nga kayo sa kopang iinuman ko, at babautismuhan kayo sa bautismong tatanggapin ko. Ngunit hindi ako ang pumipili kung sino ang uupo sa kanan o kaliwa ko. Ang mga itoʼy para sa mga taong pinaglaanan nito.” Nang malaman ng sampung alagad kung ano ang hiningi nina Santiago at Juan, nagalit sila sa kanila. Kaya tinawag silang lahat ni Hesus at sinabi, “Alam nʼyo na ang mga itinuturing na pinuno ng mga bansa ay may kapangyarihan sa mga taong nasasakupan nila, at kahit ano ang gustuhin nila ay nasusunod. Ngunit hindi dapat ganyan ang umiral sa inyo. Sa halip, ang sinuman sa inyo na gustong maging dakila ay dapat maging lingkod ninyo. At ang sinuman sa inyo na gustong maging pinuno ay dapat maging alipin ng lahat. Sapagkat kahit ang Anak ng Tao ay naparito sa mundo, hindi upang paglingkuran kundi upang maglingkod at ialay ang kanyang buhay upang tubusin ang maraming tao!”
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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.
