1

Jesus who came to serve man

2

[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."

3

Among the twelve disciples of Jesus,

there were people whose brothers became disciples together.

Among them are James and John.

4

There is a nickname Jesus gave to these brothers: 'Boanerges'.

This means 'Son of Thunder'.

Perhaps these brothers were very enthusiastic and had a personality like fire.

5

These brothers were great people who wanted to be higher than other disciples.

There was a desire that they would be recognized by Jesus

more than other disciples and be higher than other disciples.

6

So James and John came to Jesus and offered him a special favor.

"Teacher, we have something to ask you. I hope you'll listen."

Jesus asked James and John to let them know what they wanted.

7

They said to Jesus: "If the Lord is to sit in the glory of the latter,

let one of our brethren sit on the right hand of the Lord,

and let another sit on his left."

8

At that time, Judea was under Roman rule.

So many of those who followed Jesus and His disciples thought

that Jesus would free them from Rome and be king of Judah.

James and John also thought about it and gave Jesus this favor.

9

Jesus, who listened to these words, gave meaningful words to them.

"You do not know what it means to ask.

Can you also drink the cup that I drink,

and can you also receive the baptism I receive?"

10

James and John thought that they had to work hard to get a high position.

So they answered confidently. "Yes we can."

11

The cup and baptism Jesus said does not refer to simple suffering.

This meant that in the future Jesus will suffer the crucifixion and death

of the crucified in the place of our sins.

This also refers to the sufferings we will receive to inform others about Jesus.

James and John answered without knowing

what Jesus meant by the cup and baptism.

12

Hearing these answers, Jesus said:

"You will drink the cup I drink and you will receive the baptism I receive.

But sitting on my right or left is not my permission.

These seats will be granted to those who set them."

13

This means that Jesus knew in advance

that James and John would suffer for Jesus.

But God decides who seats next to Jesus.

14

Other disciples were angry when they heard that James and John had asked Jesus to come and give him special treatment.

They began to be angry with James and John.

The disciples also had the same greed in their hearts.

15

After he knew their greed, Jesus called his disciples together and said,

"The rulers of this earth love to dominate people and be respected by them.

But you should not do that.

Whosoever shall be honored by the people among you,

they shall be their servants.

If anyone is to be first among you, he must be a servant of all."

16

Then Jesus, the Most High, told His disciples why He came to this land.

"For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve,

and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Jesus did not come from being a human being to be exalted in the earth.

He came to this earth to save us by suffering and dying

on the cross in place of our sins.

17

We, who believe in Jesus and become children of God,

should not be people who seek high positions to rule others

like James and John.

If you want to be honorable in the kingdom of heaven,

you must be someone who exalts others and serves well.

God's children should resemble Jesus.

As Jesus served us to save us, we also want to be faithful people

who strive to be humble people who serve others.

(This is the sample conclusion provided by CTM. Please feel free to change the conclusion to best suit the listeners of your sermon.)