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.
Jakobus und Johannes, die Söhne von Zebedäus, gingen zu Jesus und sagten: »Lehrer, wir möchten, dass du uns eine Bitte erfüllst.« »Was wollt ihr?«, fragte Jesus. Sie antworteten: »Wenn deine Herrschaft begonnen hat, dann gewähre uns die Ehrenplätze rechts und links neben dir!« Jesus entgegnete: »Ihr wisst ja gar nicht, was ihr euch da wünscht! Denn auf mich wartet schweres Leid. Meint ihr, ihr könnt den bitteren Kelch trinken, so wie ich es tun muss? Oder könnt ihr die Taufe ertragen, die mir bevorsteht?« »Ja, das können wir!«, antworteten sie. Darauf erwiderte ihnen Jesus: »Ihr werdet tatsächlich so wie ich leiden und euer Leben hingeben müssen. Aber trotzdem kann ich nicht bestimmen, wer einmal die Plätze rechts und links neben mir einnehmen wird. Das hat bereits Gott entschieden.« Die anderen zehn Jünger hatten das Gespräch mit angehört und waren empört über Jakobus und Johannes. Da rief Jesus alle zusammen und sagte: »Ihr wisst, wie die Großen und Mächtigen dieser Welt ihre Völker unterdrücken. Wer die Macht hat, nutzt sie rücksichtslos aus. Aber so soll es bei euch nicht sein! Im Gegenteil: Wer groß sein will, der soll den anderen dienen, und wer der Erste sein will, der soll sich allen unterordnen. Denn auch der Menschensohn ist nicht gekommen, um sich bedienen zu lassen. Er kam, um zu dienen und sein Leben als Lösegeld hinzugeben, damit viele Menschen aus der Gewalt des Bösen befreit werden.«
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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.
