Mark 10:35–45 The Cost of Greatness in the Kingdom of God

The Cost of Greatness in the Kingdom of God

Mark 10:35–45

Introduction: The Story of Job and the Question of Suffering

Job was a man who once had everything—wealth, a loving family, good health, and respect in his community. But in a moment, it all changed. His children died, his possessions were stolen, he was struck with painful disease, and the very people who once honored him now looked down on him. Even in his suffering, Job did not abandon his faith. Though his wife urged him to curse God and die, and his friends insisted he must have done something wrong to deserve such misery, Job remained steadfast. In time, God restored to him more than he had before.

This story leads us to an important question: What is our view of suffering and servanthood as Christians? In Mark 10:35–45, Jesus challenges the way we think about greatness. He teaches that true greatness in God’s kingdom is not about power or status but about serving others—even when it comes at a great cost.

Background & Context: A Misguided Request

At this point in Jesus’ ministry, He had been teaching His disciples about the kingdom of God. But they still struggled to understand what kind of kingdom He was establishing. In Mark 10:35–37, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, approached Jesus with a bold request:

“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?”
And they said to him, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.”

They were seeking positions of power, imagining Jesus as an earthly king. They wanted authority, not realizing that Jesus’ kingdom was not built by domination but through suffering, humility, and service.

They weren’t alone in their misunderstanding. Many in Israel expected the Messiah to be a warrior king, not a suffering servant. But Jesus came to fulfill Isaiah’s vision of the One who would be pierced for our transgressions and crushed for our iniquities (Isaiah 53).

Main Point: The Path to Greatness is Through Suffering

Jesus responded to James and John’s request with a question of His own:

“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?” (Mark 10:38)

In Scripture, the “cup” often represents the wrath or judgment of God[1]. Jesus was referring to His coming crucifixion, where He would suffer to save the world. James and John boldly replied, “We are able” (Mark 10:39), not realizing what lay ahead. Jesus affirmed that they would indeed suffer—but that true honor in His kingdom is determined by the Father, not by favoritism or ambition.

Throughout the Bible, suffering has always been part of faithful obedience:

  • Noah was mocked while preaching.
  • Moses was rejected by his own people.
  • Jeremiah was thrown into a pit.
  • David was hunted despite being anointed.
  • Daniel was sentenced to death for praying.
  • James was executed for his faith.
  • John was exiled for preaching Christ.

As Paul writes, Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us[2]. But those who follow Him must also take up their cross. Greatness comes not through avoiding hardship, but enduring it for the sake of God’s name[3][4].

Servanthood: The True Mark of Greatness

When the other disciples heard what James and John had asked, they were upset. But Jesus used this as a teaching moment:

“You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them… But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all.” (Mark 10:42–44)

Jesus turned their thinking upside down. In the world, greatness means control and recognition. In God’s kingdom, it means humility, service, and sacrifice.

“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45)

Jesus was paying something to free us from something: His life for our sin. This is the highest example of leadership—not power, but love expressed through service and sacrifice.

Conclusion: The Mark of a True Christian

True greatness in the kingdom of God is measured not by influence, recognition, or success—but by servanthood. Like Job, we may endure suffering not because we have sinned, but because God is displaying His glory through our perseverance. Like Jesus, we serve not to gain, but to give.

This kind of life can only be lived through the power of the Holy Spirit. And those who live this way—serving instead of being served—will one day hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Scripture References

  1. Psalm 75:8 / Isaiah 51:17 – The “cup” is a symbol of God's wrath poured out in judgment on sin.
  2. Galatians 3:10–14 – Christ took the curse of the law upon Himself so that we could receive blessing by faith.
  3. Philippians 1:29 – Believers are not only granted faith in Christ but are also called to suffer for His sake.
  4. Romans 8:17 – Christians are heirs with Christ, provided they also share in His sufferings.
  5. Philippians 2:3–8 – Jesus humbled Himself and became obedient to death; believers are called to imitate His humility.

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