Who Is The Greatest?

Westhill Episcopal Church

20th August 2006

 

Reading: Mark 10:35-45

 

A Strange Request

“Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.” (v37)

What was the motive?

Praise, prestige, power, profit, passion?

A Serious Response

Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink and be baptised with the baptism I am baptised with, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant.” (v39,40)

Jesus checked whether they understood the implications.

He granted what was within His power to grant.

Jesus treats serious requests seriously.

A Strong Reaction

When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John. (v41)

Why?

Negativity

Resentment

Misunderstanding

A Spiritual Rule

“Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.” (v43,44)

Copyright © S P Townsend

Copyright © S P Townsend