Mark 10:35-45 – A Selfish Request – audio

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Text: Mark 10:35-45

Introduction

A. Sometimes people ask for something and do not realize the nature of the request.

B. Sometimes a simple request can be of great importance.

C. It may turn out for greater good than realized

D. Or it can turn out to cause more problems than anticipated.

E. A case in point involves James and John, two of Jesus’ apostles.

Body

I. They wanted Jesus to do something for them.

A) Sometimes we want something for selfish reasons, and God does not give us what we want.

B) Instead, He gives us what we need (James 4:1-3; Matthew 6:33).

II. They wanted what they considered the best places of authority.

A. This was a common request of the scribes (Mark 12:38-40)

B. And of the Pharisees (Luke 11:43)

C. Both of which Jesus warned against.

III. They claimed they were able to drink the cup that Jesus drank (John 18:11; Matthew 26:39) and be baptized with the same baptism that Jesus was baptized with (John 12:50).

A. Jesus said it was not for Him to grant this request

B. Instead, they would receive what was prepared and deserved (Hebrews 11:13-16; Revelation 21:1-2; Matthew 25:31-34, 41, 46).

IV. This request caused many others to be displeased with them.

V. Jesus stressed that even though some appear to be great on the outside, they are not great on the inside.

A. Greatness is not all about exercising authority or power.

B. Greatness is about being a servant.

1) Jesus Christ came to be a servant (Luke 22:27; John 13:14-17; Philippians 2:7-8).

2) Jesus Christ gave His life as a ransom for many (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Timothy 2:5-6; Titus 2:14).

Conclusion

A. What would you request of Jesus?

1) Would it be beneficial?

2) Would it cause conflict?

B. How would it affect your eternal salvation?