Mark 10:32-52

Servanthood
Mark 10:32-52

I see this section of scripture as a trilogy – three stories with a continuing flow of thought.  In verses 32-34, Jesus predicts His death; in verses 35-45, John and James ask for the best seats in the house; in verses 46-52, Jesus heals a blind man.  OK, maybe the connection isn’t so easy to spot, but it’s there, and the theme is “servanthood.”

In our first section of scripture, Jesus and His disciples, plus many others, were hiking from the Jordan valley (below sea level) to Jerusalem (about 2,500 feet above sea level) and Jesus is way out in front.  Understand this — Jesus knew that going to Jerusalem would mean his humiliation and death — yet He was far ahead of the disciples, not because he was better at hiking uphill, but because He was determined to complete God’s plan.  Jesus had a purpose: to save all mankind, and He was running towards that goal.  Jesus came to serve God and man by doing God’s will, which was dying on a cross so that all men could be forgiven and come into a relationship with Him.

In part two, James and John wanted to ask a favor of Jesus — to sit at his right and left in heaven.  Jesus replied with “You don’t know what you are asking!  Are you willing to suffer and die as I am about to do?” (which is what Jesus was really saying).  Their response was, “Sure Lord, we don’t really know what you just said, but we can do this.”  To that, Jesus replied, “Well, those seats are predetermined by God and I can’t change that.”  Overhearing this, the other ten disciples got mad because they wanted seats of honor as well.  Jesus stopped the bickering by telling them what they must do to get the “good seats” (v 43-44):  “Whoever wants to be greatest must be a servant, and whoever wants to be #1 must be a slave to all.”  Then Jesus revealed his purpose on earth to the disciples (v 45): “Even I (Jesus) did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give My life as a ransom for many.”

In part three, a blind man named Bartimaeus wanted to ask Jesus for a favor (big day for favors, huh).  Bartimaeus knew who Jesus was because he called Him “Son of David.”  This is important because the Old Testament prophesied that the Messiah would be a descendant of King David.  In saying “Son of David,” Bartimaeus was proclaiming that Jesus was the Messiah the people had been looking for, and he knew it.  And never let it be said that Jesus didn’t have a sense of humor, for when Bartimaeus was brought to Him, Jesus said, ” So, what do you want Me to do for you?”  “Duh!, I’d like to dance like Solome.”  OK, Bartimaeus really didn’t say that, he said, “Rabboni (Teacher), I would like to see.”  Jesus’ response was “Your faith has made you well.”

Because Bartimaeus had faith that Jesus could do something, he regained his sight.  In loving this man and healing him, Jesus demonstrated that servant attitude that He was just talking about.

If we want the good seats, we must follow Jesus’ example and serve.  Ask God today where He might want you to serve, and go out of your way today to serve others.  It will make God smile.