Session 9

Serves demonstrated humble service by paying the ransom for our .

MARK 10:35-45

MEMORY VERSE: MARK 10:43-44

READ Mark 10:1-52, First Thoughts (p . 94), and Understand the Context (pp . 94–95) . Note how Jesus’ understanding of discipleship and His role as differed from that of James and John .

STUDY Mark 10:35-45, using Explore the Text on pages 95–99 . Utilize the Holman Illustrated Dictionary for further insight on the cup referenced in verse 39 . In your own words, write the message that Jesus wanted His disciples to understand about the cost of discipleship . List practical steps that your group can take to follow the example of serving Jesus provided .

PLAN the group time using ideas under Lead Group Bible Study (pp . 100–101) and More Ideas (p . 102) . Consult QuickSource or Blog L. ifeWay c. om/ExploretheBible for additional ideas . Consider how you might use the Suggested Music Idea (p . 102) with your group .

GROW from expert insights on weekly studies through the Ministry Grid (MinistryGrid c. om/Web/ ExploretheBible) .

GATHER the following items: Personal Study Guides; Markers; Chart paper; and A broom . Prepare to display: PACK ITEM 2 (Outline of Mark); PACK ITEM 3 (Poster: Jesus’ Authority); and PACK ITEM 6 (Key Verse: Mark 10:45) . Make copies of: PACK ITEM 8 (Handout: Memory Verse Bookmark) .

Date of My Bible Study:______93 © 2019 LifeWay FIRST THOUGHTS KEY DOCTRINE Imagine if your employer were searching for a new vice president and invited Evangelism and you to interview. Then imagine showing up for the interview and being Missions handed a broom and asked to clean the main foyer during the busiest time It is the duty of every child of of the day. For some, that would be a deal breaker. Others may do it, but with to seek constantly to win resentment. A few might jump at the opportunity, understanding the value the lost to Christ by verbal of humility and service. Humility puts the needs of others ahead of your own. witness undergirded by a Christian lifestyle, and by other (In PSG p. 82) How would you respond if you were handed a broom as methods in harmony with the a part of your interview? What would your attitude reveal about your of Christ (2 Tim. 4:5). understanding of leadership?

BIBLE SKILL UNDERSTAND THE CONTEXT Dig deeper into the background MARK 10:1-52 and usage of key words and phrases. Mark selected certain events and teachings of Jesus to demonstrate that our Lord was instructing His disciples in what they would need to learn Focus on the phrase “drink the to carry on as a community after His ascent to heaven. Here are the ways cup” in Mark 10:38,39. Search these are developed in Mark 10: an English dictionary, a Bible • Jesus’ teaching on the permanence of marriage (10:1-12). In His new dictionary, or search online to community, marriage is a lifelong commitment. “What God has joined find out how this phrase has together, let no one separate” (10:9). been used as a symbol for • Jesus’ blessing of the children (10:13-16). In His new community, only something either good or bad those who come to Him with childlike trust will be received. “The to happen to a person. Use a kingdom of God belongs to such as these” (10:14). concordance—hard copy or • Jesus and the rich young ruler (10:17-22). Wealth is often a barrier to online—to find all the uses of those who want to be part of God’s kingdom. “He went away grieving, “cup” in Scripture. How many because he had many possessions” (10:22). of these are literal? How many • Jesus’ teaching on possessions (10:23-31). Those who have left behind are figurative? Make notes material wealth for Jesus’ sake will be rewarded. “Many who are first of any findings that help you will be last, and the last first” (10:31). better understand Jesus’ use of • Jesus’ third prediction of His death and resurrection (10:32-34). Our the phrase. Lord was preparing His disciples for what they were all about to face as they were “going up to ” (10:32). • Jesus’ teaching on suffering and service (10:35-45). Jesus came to serve, and those in His community will be servants as well. • Jesus’ healing of a blind man (10:46-52). Jesus’ disciples would follow His example of showing mercy to those in need.

94 Explore the Bible | Leader Guide © 2019 LifeWay Mark 10 is important for understanding the transition in Jesus’ ministry, both geographically and chronologically. As the time for His death neared, He BIBLICAL left and “went to the region of and across the Jordan” (10:1). As ILLUSTRATOR Passover approached, “they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem” (10:32). Then, on the final leg of the journey, “they came to ” (10:46). After they For additional context, read climbed the ascent from Jericho to Jerusalem, Jesus set about implementing “In the House of ” His plan to enter Jerusalem (11:1-11). The event that we focus on for this in the Spring 2019 issue of week’s lesson, therefore, occurred during the time that Jesus was on the road Biblical Illustrator. Available at to Jerusalem, with His coming ordeal looming large in His thinking. LifeWay.com/BiblicalIllustrator.

EXPLORE THE TEXT

THE REQUEST (MARK 10:35-39a)

VERSE 35 James and John, the sons of Zebedee, have been presented in a positive VERSE 35 light in Mark’s Gospel so far (1:19,29; 3:17; 5:37; 9:2). Jesus had nicknamed them “Sons of Thunder” (3:17) and given them and Peter access to special 35 James and John, moments with Him. Later on, in the first church in Jerusalem, John the sons of Zebedee, became a leader and James became a martyr. Thus, this account of their ambition—in which Jesus gently rebuked them—provides an important approached him and insight into their strengths and weaknesses. said, “Teacher, we want On one hand, their request shows that they had great confidence in you to do whatever we Jesus. They believed He could give themwhatever we ask of you. As verse 37 ask you.” indicates, they believed He would be revealed as a glorious King one day. On the other hand, Jesus had just for the third time told the apostles plainly that they were heading for Jerusalem, where He would suffer and be crucified. They didn’t understand what He was talking about (9:32). Perhaps one reason Mark recorded this incident was so that the first readers of his Gospel—who perhaps didn’t realize the implications of Jesus’ death for discipleship—would recognize that His first disciples had the same difficulty. Readers of Matthew’s account of this event may recall that it was the mother of James and John who instigated this request (Matt. 20:20). Mark simplified the account, showing that it was essentially the two disciples who wanted to take advantage of Jesus’ coming glory for their own benefit.

VERSE 36 As He occasionally did, Jesus asked someone requesting His help to be more VERSE 36 specific (Mark 10:51). This allowed such persons to reveal their intentions. James and John had already implied self-interest in the way they had 36 “What do you want framed their question: “we want … we ask.” Further, Jesus never conceded me to do for you? ” he to giving anyone a blank check to do “whatever we ask.” He delights to answer the prayers of His people. Nevertheless, we who come to Him with asked them. requests are to remember that we come humbly and make our petitions according to God’s will.

Session 9 : Serves 95 © 2019 LifeWay What are the positive aspects of James and John’s bold request as a pattern for our own prayers? What are the negative aspects? Would you ever pray, “Jesus, I want you to give me whatever I ask”? Why or why not?

VERSES 37-39a VERSES 37-39a In the , to sit at a king’s right hand was to be in the greatest position of prestige and prominence. To be at his left hand was the next best 37 They answered him, thing (1 Kings 2:19; Ps. 110:1). James and John’s request was not about their “Allow us to sit at your desire to be recognized as especially loyal to Jesus; rather, they were being personally and selfishly ambitious. They foresaw only glory for Jesus when right and at your left He reached Jerusalem; therefore, they saw the possibility of glory for them. in your glory.” 38 Jesus Perhaps they thought, since Jesus had already given them special moments said to them, “You with Him, that they were deserving of this honor. Perhaps, too, they felt that “the early bird gets the worm.” They had better ask while the asking was good. don’t know what you’re Although James and John were brash in their petition, the Lord did asking. Are you able to not scold them directly. Instead, He told them, You don’t know what you’re drink the cup I drink or asking. After Jesus entered Jerusalem, at His right hand and left hand to be baptized with the would be two criminals, crucified with Him (:27). Jesus used two metaphors to speak of His coming suffering, asking the baptism I am baptized brothers if they were prepared to suffer alongside Him. Both images were with? ” 39a “We are able,” symbols with Old Testament roots: they told him. • To drink the cup in Scripture could mean to experience God’s blessing (Pss. 16:5; 23:5; 116:13). But more often it meant suffering because of God’s righteous anger (Pss. 11:6; 75:8; Isa. 51:17,22; Jer. 25:15-17, 27-28). • To be baptized was an image not found specifically in the Old Testament. Yet the idea of being engulfed in a watery flood as a symbol of great trouble occurs in several passages (Job 22:11; Ps. 18:16: Isa. 43:2). Many Bible students have noted that the concrete images of drinking from a cup and being baptized are the same images connected with the two Christian ordinances that Jesus asked His followers to observe: water baptism and the Lord’s Supper. In the present context, however, Jesus was referring to His coming calamity and not to the ordinances. Nevertheless, every time a person undergoes Christian baptism or participates in the Lord’s Supper, there is a tangible reminder that Jesus indeed was engulfed in a flood of suffering and drained the cup of God’s righteous anger for human sin. Further, there is a reminder that those who so participate may be called on by Jesus to pay a high price to follow Him. Without hesitation, James and John glibly agreed to go through whatever Jesus asked of them. Maybe they thought He was asking them to fight alongside Him as His field lieutenants in a coming battle against the hated Romans. “We are able” is a single word in the original language. They still did not grasp that Jesus was talking about suffering and possibly death for His sake.

96 Explore the Bible | Leader Guide © 2019 LifeWay Is “drinking the cup” of suffering something Jesus may require of you and ordinary believers, or is this a price only a few are expected to endure? What is the difference between making a carefully considered commitment to follow Jesus and a glib profession of faith?

THE REACTION (MARK 10:39b-41)

VERSE 39b-41 Jesus promised James and John that they would indeed drink the cup and VERSES 39b-41 be baptized with the baptism that Jesus would go through. In other words, they would ultimately be faithful followers of His. Yet their faithfulness 39b Jesus said to them, to Jesus would require them to pay the price of suffering for their loyalty. “You will drink the cup Acts 12:2 reports that James became the first of the twelve apostles to die as a martyr for Jesus’ sake. Acts also records occasions when John was I drink, and you will arrested, imprisoned, or beaten as a Christian (4:3; 5:18,40). He also was be baptized with the exiled onto the island of Patmos for Christ’s sake (Rev. 1:9). baptism I am baptized The suffering and death of Jesus remains unique. No one but Jesus with. 40 But to sit at my suffered and died as the penalty for sin. Thus, the sufferings that Jesus’ disciples endure—whether James or John or any host of believers who right or left is not mine have willingly been persecuted for righteousness’ sake—fulfill a different to give; instead, it is for purpose. When we sign up as Jesus’ followers, we give up the right to set those for whom it has the terms of our service, as Jesus pointedly taught in verses 42-45. 41 Jesus did not deny that, eventually, there will be persons who sit at my been prepared.” When right or left. He stated, however, that these positions of prestige were not the ten disciples heard His to assign. Rather, He gladly left it up to His heavenly Father to put the this, they began to be chosen individuals into these positions. Jesus willingly submitted His will indignant with James to the will of His Father in this matter. It was fitting that He—who came as a servant (10:45)—should demonstrate the same kind of humility that and John. He expected of His followers. Mark was surely a master of understatement when he wrote that the ten disciples began to be indignant with the two brothers. Likely, they were angry because they wanted the positions of prestige for themselves. They wished they had thought of asking first! Jesus called them out. They did not understand that the nature of leadership within Jesus’ new community is one of humble service. They had completely missed what Jesus had recently taught them privately (9:35). Jesus was about to repeat this teaching (10:44).

Have you ever become indignant because another Christian seemed to be in a greater position of prestige or authority than you? How did you come to terms with your emotions? How often do you sincerely examine your motives for serving Christ, seeking to please Him, not yourself?

Session 9 : Serves 97 © 2019 LifeWay THE RANSOM (MARK 10:42-45)

VERSE 42-44 VERSES 42-44 Jesus used this incident as a teachable moment for His followers. They needed another reminder about the importance of humility and service 42 Jesus called them as they worked together as leaders in the new community. Jesus began over and said to them, by making an observation about the way political leadership works ordinarily. The Old Testament is filled with examples of kings who exerted “You know that those authoritarian ways. The Egyptian Pharaoh at the time of (Ex. 5) and who are regarded as the Babylonian Nebuchadnezzar at the time of Daniel (Dan. 3) are easy rulers of the examples. In Jesus’ lifetime, Herod the Great was a wicked monarch who ordered the murder of the innocent babies of Bethlehem (Matt. 2). lord it over them, and Jesus’ words in verse 42 were made even more memorable because He those in high positions organized His thoughts according the pattern of Hebrew poetry found so act as tyrants over often in the Psalms. In this pattern, the second line repeats the thought of them. 43 But it is not the first line, but with different words (called “synonymous parallelism”): Line 1: rulers … lord it. Line 2: those in high positions act as tyrants. Verses so among you. On 43-44 contain another example of Hebrew synonymous parallelism. Line 1: the contrary, whoever whoever wants to become great … will be your servant. Line 2: Whoever wants to become great wants to be first … will be a slave. Jesus was repeating in a pithy form what He had said several times throughout chapters 8–10. (See 8:35; 9:35; 10:31.) among you will be your After making the observation about the ordinary way in which leaders 44 servant, and whoever lord it over their followers, Jesus stated the contrast for His people in the wants to be first among starkest terms: But it is not so among you. His kingdom is a different kind you will be a slave to all. of kingdom, in which the world’s standard leadership practices have no place. Jesus did not forbid His people from wanting to become great. What He did was redefine what it means to be great. Further, only those who view people in the kingdom through kingdom-focused eyes will be able to recognize kingdom greatness when it comes around. Similarly, Jesus did not discourage persons from wanting to be first among you in the new community. But the kind of being first that Jesus commended was the opposite of what people ordinarily think of as being first. Jesus did not forbid His people from wanting to become great. What He did was redefine what it means to be great.

Jesus used two unexpected terms to illustrate what true greatness looks like in His kingdom. The Greek term translatedservant is diakonos, originally meaning one who waited on tables. (See Acts 6:2.) The term became used for a category of officially recognized servants or helpers in local congregations, typically called “deacons” (1 Tim. 3:8-13). The term translated slave in the original language is doulos, and originally meant someone totally owned by a master, with no rights except what the owner permitted. The term became widely adopted by believers, who recognized that they were bondservants of Jesus. (See Rom. 1:1; Phil. 1:1.)

98 Explore the Bible | Leader Guide © 2019 LifeWay How easy is it for you to think of yourself as a servant or slave within the church? Evaluate the extent to which you agree with the following: “Believers point others to Jesus by selflessly serving others.”

VERSE 45 Jesus concluded His exhortation about being a servant with a short VERSE 45 summary of His own life of service. He was the supreme example. • was Jesus’ favorite title for Himself. The term was found in 45 For even the Son of several Old Testament texts, but especially Daniel 7:13-14, in which a Man did not come to glorious, heavenly figure received an everlasting kingdom. Jesus cited this passage to refer to Himself at His trial (:62). be served, but to serve, • Did not come to be served is Jesus’ emphatic statement about His life and to give his life as a and ministry, which was contrary to ordinary human expectations for ransom for many.” a monarch, as He had just taught (10:42). • But to serve is a verb form of the noun translated “servant” in 10:43. Jesus had visibly demonstrated service to the Twelve. They had seen Him touch a leper and a corpse. They had seen Him feed the starving. They had seen Him continue to minister even when there was no time to eat or rest. • And to give his life was His supreme act of service in His offering Himself freely to death. “He emptied himself by assuming the form of a servant,” and “humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death” (Phil. 2:7,8). • A ransom is found in the only here and in the parallel account, :28. It was well known in ordinary Greek as a way to refer to purchasing the freedom of a slave or a war prisoner. • For many can be translated “in the place of many” or “on behalf of many.” Jesus understood His death as a substitutionary offering for the of others. The emphasis on many points back to Isaiah 53:11 about the Suffering Servant of the Lord, which was surely in Jesus’ mind here: “My righteous servant will justify many, and he will carry their iniquities.” —whose expressed ambition started this episode— finally grasped Jesus’ teaching. Decades later, he wrote this: “This is how we have come to know love: He laid down his life for us. We should also lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters” (1 John 3:16).

Session 9 : Serves 99 © 2019 LifeWay LEAD GROUP BIBLE STUDY

FOCUS ATTENTION (FIRST THOUGHTS) INTRODUCE: Prior to the session, prop a broom against one wall of the room. Familiarize yourself with the scenario related in the opening of the PSG (p. 82) and be prepared to share the scenario with the group.

ASK: Holding the broom in your hand, ask: How would you respond if you were handed a broom as a part of your interview? (PSG, p. 82)

TRANSITION: Today in Mark 10 we’ll see Jesus again in the role of a teaching Messiah. It appears that His disciples, like many today, were struggling to understand the cost of discipleship.

EXPLORE THE TEXT REVIEW: Our last session focused on Jesus as our bridge over sin as we spent time exploring the in Mark 15. Today we move back to Mark 10.

SUMMARIZE: Using Understand the Context (pp. 94–95; PSG, p. 83) and Pack Item 2 (Outline of Mark), briefly overview Mark 10:1-34. Note that Jesus provides His disciples with the third prediction of His death just prior to the verses in today’s study.

READ: Call on a volunteer to read Mark 10:35-39a, while the group listens to identify the request by James and John.

WRITE: On a board or chart paper write the word Request, leaving room for two more columns.

HIGHLIGHT: Lead the group to examine closely Mark 10:35-39a, highlighting key words in the request. Record those key words under the Request column.

EXPLAIN: In Matthew’s Gospel, the mother of James and John approached Jesus with them to make the request, while Luke didn’t identify who made the request. James and John, along with Peter, were members of what has been called “the inner circle” and may have assumed they had a higher position. They began their request by acknowledging Jesus as their Teacher but appeared to have forgotten His recent predictions concerning His death and resurrection. They were bold in approaching Jesus and desired a guarantee before they made the request.

DISCUSS: How would you describe what motivated James and John to make the request? What does the request reveal to us about their understanding of leadership? How is that same understanding expressed today?

DIRECT: Guide the group to examine why the request was inappropriate by reading the three points made on page 84 of the PSG. Summarize the points by stating the words timing, ignorance, and a misunderstanding of Jesus as a suffering Messiah.

EMPHASIZE: The men made a request without understanding what they were truly asking.

REREAD: Read again Jesus’ response in Mark 10:38-39a, as the group listens for things that might be confusing in His response.

100 Explore the Bible | Leader Guide © 2019 LifeWay STUDY: Lead the group to complete the Bible Skill activity (PSG, p. 86) in small teams, focusing on the phrase “drink the cup.” After allowing time for study, explain: The cup that Jesus was about to drink included dying for our sins, while the baptism is a reference to their completely identifying with Jesus and being willing to face suffering for His sake.

ASK: What costs might be associated with following Jesus today? What does the confidence expressed by James and John say about themselves? In whom do they trust more, in themselves or in Jesus? (PSG, p. 85)

WRITE: Next to the word Request, write the word Reaction.

READ: Invite a volunteer to read Mark 10:39b-41 to identify the reaction of the other disciples to the request of James and John.

RELATE: The text doesn’t say how the other disciples discovered the request, but our actions seldom stay completely secret. Verse 41 says the other ten disciples were indignant. Write the word Indignant under Reaction.

ASK: How would you describe the feelings associated with being indignant?

WRITE: Record the word Ransom in the third column.

READ: Direct a volunteer to read aloud Mark 10:42-45, as the group listens for how Jesus used the opportunity for a teachable moment.

PARAPHRASE: Guide the group to read the verses again and consider how they would summarize them in their own words. Direct them to the PSG (pp. 87–89) for additional insight. Under the word Ransom write the word Paid.

TRANSITION: Jesus explicitly says that He came to serve and that the one who will be great in His kingdom will serve others.

SUMMARIZE AND CHALLENGE (IN MY CONTEXT) DISCUSS: Invite a volunteer to share: To what evidence might a person point to validate that he or she is a servant to others? (PSG, p. 88) Ask: How might our responses to the question on page 87 of the PSG have changed from when we first read it this past week to hearing it today?

SYNTHESIZE: Guide the group to consider how evidence and motivation relate to a person’s effectiveness in leading others to Jesus.

REFLECT: What does counting the cost of discipleship look like in your life right now? Where have you fallen short? What steps can you take to make that right? (PSG, p. 90)

CHALLENGE: Reread Mark 10:43-44, give copies of Pack Item 8 (Handout: Memory Verse Bookmark) to those who need one, and direct attention to Pack Item 6 (Key Verse: Mark 10:45), encouraging the group to memorize these verses as a reminder of Jesus’ lesson to His disciples about serving others.

PRAY: Thank God for Jesus’ teaching on how to relate to others. Pray that the group will seek opportunities to serve others and let their lives more effectively point to Christ.

Session 9 : Serves 101 © 2019 LifeWay PRACTICE • Assign regular attenders the name of another group member to contact this week and check in with that person. • Evaluate your own willingness to serve and what motivates you to lead the group. • Support the group by looking for possible areas of ministry in the community where the group could serve in the next month.

MORE IDEAS

FOCUS ATTENTION (FIRST THOUGHTS) As another option for focusing attention, ask the group to think of people in leadership positions who have influenced them in a positive way. Perhaps the person was a teacher, employer, coach, or family member. Ask: Why was this person able to influence you? Share that in today’s study we learn Jesus’ perspective on leadership. Relate the following case study for group discussion: Joe and Mary recently moved to your area and joined your church. In their previous church Joe served as a deacon officer, and Mary led the women’s ministry. They are asked to help in the preschool area during extended session and support clean up after church events. How might their response reflect an attitude and motive for service?

EXPLORE THE TEXT • For further study of Mark 10:42-43, reread the verses and guide the group to contrast the leadership of the “rulers of the Gentiles” with the instruction Jesus provided for His disciples. • To further enhance the study of Mark 10:42-45, state from the PSG (pp. 87–88): Earthly leadership and authority in the first century was based on power. Point to Pack Item 3 (Poster: Jesus’ Authority). Compare Jesus’ displays of power earlier in Mark to His ultimate display of power and authority as the Son of Man. Then guide the group to name words that describe Jesus, and record them on a board.

SUMMARIZE AND CHALLENGE (IN MY CONTEXT) As an alternate idea, guide the group to complete the second question set on page 90 in the PSG: As a group, discuss ways the group can be more effective servants in the community. Review Mark 10:43-44 as a group, challenging each other to memorize and act on this passage. Determine one thing the group will do to serve in the community in the next month. If using the broom to begin the session, pick it up again and ask how Jesus could have responded based on Mark 10:35-45, and how He might want us to respond.

SUGGESTED MUSIC IDEA To close the session, lead the group to listen or read the lyrics for the song “Make Me a Servant,” by The Maranatha Singers. The song could be utilized as a closing prayer.

102 Explore the Bible | Leader Guide © 2019 LifeWay