S1 · Session One of 6

The Servant King

Introduction

MINISTRY MATTERS

Serving God is one of the greatest privileges we have as Christians.

Every time we serve, we have an opportunity to be part of what God is doing in someone else's life. Some ministry is seen and appreciated. Much of it happens quietly and may never be noticed.

But Jesus shows us that greatness in God's kingdom is not found in being recognised—it is found in becoming a servant.

When we serve, we are not simply filling a position, completing a rota or helping a church service run smoothly.

We are following the example of Jesus.

Study objective

Mark 10:35–45

Section 01

THE PASSAGE

Mark 10:35–45 · World English Bible (public domain).

Key scriptures

James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came near to him, saying, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we will ask.” 36 He said to them, “What do you want me to do for you?” 37 They said to him, “Grant to us that we may sit, one at your right hand and one at your left hand, in your glory.” 38 But Jesus said to them, “You don’t know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” 39 They said to him, “We are able.” Jesus said to them, “You shall indeed drink the cup that I drink, and you shall be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with;

but to sit at my right hand and at my left hand is not mine to give, but for whom it has been prepared.”

When the ten heard it, they began to be indignant toward James and John. 42 Jesus summoned them and said to them, “You know that they who are recognized as rulers over the nations lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 43 But it shall not be so among you, but whoever wants to become great among you shall be your servant. 44 Whoever of you wants to become first among you shall be bondservant of all. 45 For the Son of Man also came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Section 02

THE SERVANT KING

James and John wanted to be close to Jesus, but they were also thinking about position. They wanted the important seats. They wanted to be recognised.

Jesus does something interesting. He doesn't tell them that wanting their lives to be significant is wrong. Instead, He completely changes their understanding of greatness.

The world often connects greatness with position, recognition and authority.

Jesus connects greatness with service.

What is the text saying?

DIAKONOS — “SERVANT” — In verse 43 Jesus says: “Whoever wants to become great among you shall be your servant.” The Greek word translated servant is diakonos. It was an ordinary word used for someone who served others—waiting on tables, carrying things or taking care of practical needs. Jesus takes an ordinary serving word and connects it with greatness. In God's kingdom, greatness is not measured by how many people serve you, but by how willing you are to serve others.
DOULOS — “BONDSERVANT” — Then Jesus goes even further: “Whoever of you wants to become first among you shall be bondservant of all.” The Greek word doulos describes someone who belongs to another. The early disciples later used this word to describe themselves because they understood something important: My life belongs to Christ. That changes the question from: “What do I want to do?” to: “Jesus, what do You want me to do?”
JESUS SERVED FIRST — But Jesus doesn't finish by simply telling His disciples to serve. He points to Himself. “For the Son of Man also came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” The word translated ransom is lutron. It means the price paid to set someone free. Jesus isn't asking us to do something He wasn't willing to do Himself. He served us first. He gave His life for us. That means ministry isn't about earning God's approval or proving how spiritual we are. We serve because we have already been served by Christ.

Section 03

TALK IT THROUGH

Five questions

Discussion questions

01Jesus connects greatness with serving. Why do you think it is so easy—even in church—to connect importance with position rather than service?
02Some ministry is seen and some is almost completely unseen. Should that change the way we serve? Why?
03Jesus says, “It shall not be so among you.” What should be noticeably different about the way Christians use responsibility and authority?
04Jesus served us before we ever served Him. How should remembering what Christ has done for us affect our attitude toward ministry?
05Think about the ministry you are involved in. What would serving more like Jesus actually look like for you?

Section 04

BETWEEN NOW AND NEXT TIME

Five short readings

Take about five minutes each day. Read the passage and think about the question underneath it.

Key scriptures

ONE — Mark 10:32–45

Read today's passage again slowly. What do you notice about Jesus' attitude toward serving?

TWO — Luke 22:24–27

Jesus says, “I am among you as the One who serves.” Why is Jesus Himself the greatest example of ministry?

THREE — Matthew 20:20–28

The disciples were concerned about position. Where can the desire for recognition begin to affect the way we serve?

FOUR — 1 Peter 5:1–6

Peter tells God's people to “be clothed with humility.” What would deliberately putting on humility look like when you serve?

FIVE — Philippians 2:1–11

Jesus humbled Himself and became a servant. What part of Jesus' example challenges you most?

This week's application

TAKE IT HOME

01Don't simply say: “I need to be a better servant.”
02Choose one specific way you can serve differently this week.
03Put it into this sentence: When __________ happens, I will __________.
04Make it something practical enough that you know whether you actually did it.
05For example: “When I arrive for ministry, I will look for something that needs doing before someone has to ask me.”
06The goal isn't simply to think differently about serving. It is to serve differently.
07ONE THING TO WATCH FOR
08This week, notice somebody doing something that most people overlook. Cleaning something. Moving something. Arriving early. Staying late. Helping someone quietly. When you see it, thank them personally. Because ministry that isn't noticed by people is still noticed by God.

Next steps

Serving Like Christ · Series One · Session 1 of 6

Next: Session 2 — The Towel and the Throne · John 13:1–17

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