What does it take To Be Great?

As we continue in RPC's systematic study of the Gospel of Mark, this message focuses on Jesus' words about greatness.   Not surprisingly, the world's definition of "greatness" is radically different that God's.

Read Mark 10:32-45 before listening to the message.  Then deal honestly with Jesus' teaching on how you can become great.

God bless, KM

“To Be Great”

Mark 10:32-45

“great”

grāt

Adjective:

1.    of an extent, amount, or intensity considerably above the normal or average.

2.    of ability, quality, or eminence considerably above the normal or average.

** The world would lead us to believe that "greatness" was a matter of comparison...

if you are above average in some category or possess something in greater quantity than another person you know, YOU ARE GREAT.

Note: But...if the world is right, then Goliath should have been king of Israel, not some skinny runt named David. 

Things that Make us “Small”

First Thing – Insensitivity to others.

Mark 10:35 – “Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee,

came to him.”

Second Thing – Unbridled Ambition.

Mark 10:37 – “They replied, ‘Let one of us sit at your right and

the other at your left in your glory.’”

Third Thing – Jealousy.

Mark 10:41 – “When the ten heard about this, they became

indignant with James and John.”

Fourth Thing – Misapplied Power.

Mark 10:42 – “Jesus called them together and said,

‘You know that those who are regarded as rulers

of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials

exercise authority over them.’”

To Be Great…

…Serve

Mark 10:43, 44 – “Whoever wants to become great among you

must be your servant and whoever wants to be first

must be slave of all.”

…Sacrifice

Mark 10:45 – “For even the Son of Man did not come

to be served, but to serve, and to give his life

as a ransom for many.”

Teach Us to Serve

Teach us, Lord, to serve you as you deserve,

to give and not to count the cost,

to fight and not to heed the wounds,

to toil and not to seek for rest,

to labor and not to ask for any reward

save that of knowing that we do your will.

- Ignatius Loyola