The Audience Mark Is Writing To
Mark writes to believers familiar with hierarchical power and status. This passage challenges prevailing leadership models and replaces them with a kingdom ethic of sacrifice and service, reflecting the servant leadership Jesus teaches.
Key Focus of the Passage and Jesus’ Character
The focus is servant leadership through suffering. Jesus is revealed as courageous, self-giving, and purposeful—walking resolutely toward the cross while teaching His followers a radically different way to lead.
📖 Scripture: Mark 10:32–45 (NASB)
They were on the road going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking on ahead of them; and they were amazed, and those who followed were fearful. And again He took the twelve aside and began to tell them what was going to happen to Him, saying, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death and will hand Him over to the Gentiles. They will mock Him and spit on Him, and scourge Him and kill Him, and three days later He will rise again.” James and John, the two sons of Zebedee, came up to Jesus, saying to Him, “Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask of You.” And He said to them, “What do you want Me to do for you?” They said to Him, “Grant that we may sit, one on Your right and one on Your left, in Your glory.” But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” They said to Him, “We are able.” And Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you shall drink; and you shall be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized. But to sit on My right or on My left, this is not Mine to give; but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.” Hearing this, the ten began to feel indignant with James and John. Calling them to Himself, Jesus said, “You know that those who are recognized as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them; and their great men exercise authority over them. But it is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant; and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
The People Jesus Interacted With
Jesus interacts with the Twelve, particularly James and John, and then addresses all the disciples to correct their understanding of greatness and authority.
What Happened in the Scene
Jesus plainly predicts His suffering and resurrection. Immediately afterward, James and John request seats of honor. Jesus exposes their misunderstanding, teaches them about the cost of discipleship, and redefines leadership as service.
Mood and Tone
The tone is solemn yet instructive. Courage and clarity from Jesus stand in sharp contrast to the disciples’ ambition.
What Jesus Said
“Whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant.”
“The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
These words anchor Christian leadership in sacrificial love.
The Response of the Others
- James and John reveal ambition without full understanding.
- The other disciples react with indignation.
- Jesus re-centers everyone on service as the measure of greatness.
The Lesson for Us in 2026
- Greatness Is Measured by Service – Influence grows through humility, not position.
- Ambition Must Be Redeemed – Desire to lead must submit to the way of the cross.
- Jesus Leads by Example – Our model is the Servant who gave His life for many.
Jesus doesn’t deny the desire to be great—He transforms it. In His kingdom, greatness kneels, serves, and sacrifices.
