Tim Connor
Sermon Synopsis – October 27, 2024
Mark 10:35-45
As we go about our daily lives, we are consistently confronted with the idea of greatness. Whether it be sports, the business world, or even the realm of social media, we are always chasing after greatness. Our secular culture often defines greatness as power, wealth, or status. Interestingly, this is not only true of our modern era; in Mark 10:35-45, two of Jesus’ closest disciples (James and John) were caught up in this idea of greatness. They pleaded with Jesus for positions of honor and glory, to be seated at our Lord’s right and left hand.
Jesus does not condemn his disciples for their aspiration for greatness; instead, he redefines what it means to truly be great. Spiritual greatness is not gauged by earthly power or status, but by our capacity to humbly serve others. As Jesus proclaimed, “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.” Jesus redefined what it means to be great in the eyes of God, and in doing so, he instilled in us a profound sense of purpose.
If we are to foster this type of greatness in our lives, it must not be done in isolation. Our relationships are the arena in which personal spiritual growth occurs. In dealing with his fellow men and women, Jesus acted in love. The more we follow Jesus’ example and love others wholeheartedly, the more we align ourselves with the divine spirit that indwells us. Love is the force that propels us into the realm of true greatness.
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