Christ, the Son of Man

February 20, 2011

Lesson: Mark 10:35–45

Key Verse: Mark 10:45

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Introduction

The ministry of Christ, the Son of God, is first seen in His humility, in His incarnation; “in his being born, and that in a low condition, made under the law, undergoing the miseries of this life, the wrath of God, and the cursed death of the cross” (Shorter Catechism #27). Christ is the Good Shepherd who came to seek and save those who are lost. He came to do the will of the Father. He was the Suffering Servant who came to save His people from their sins. We are like filthy rags before the holiness of God. “Christ took our flesh that he might make the human nature appear lovely to God, and the divine nature appear lovely to man. …Christ taking our flesh, makes this human nature appear lovely to God. As when the sun shines on the glass it casts a bright lustre, so Christ being clad with our flesh makes the human nature shine, and appear amiable in God’s eyes” (Thomas Watson, A Body of Divinity).

When we first see Christ, we see Him as our Savior. The Gospel has risen in our hearts and we, by faith, come to Him with thanksgiving and praise. We praise the Holy Spirit who has given us the new birth whereby we have repented of our sins, knowing that forgiveness has come by Christ and His shed blood. What a glorious Savior! “Jesus Christ is the sum and quintessence of the gospel; the wonder of angels; the joy and triumph of saints. The name of Christ is sweet, it is as music in the ear, honey in the mouth, and a cordial at the heart” (Watson). So we see Him as our Lord.

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The Request—Mark 10:35–37

James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Jesus, saying, “Master, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire.” What could motivate the disciples to come to Jesus with such a request? It should not surprise us; for we, too, in our prayers, ask of God those things which would answer our desires. Such askings reveal an anxious spirit. We know that we live and receive blessings by the gracious promises of God. However, we anxiously want more. And, that is understandable, as we see the many blessings of the Lord.

Christ asks His disciples, “What would ye that I should do for you?” There is no doubt that Christ desires the best for His people. The Shepherd feeds His sheep; we shall not want! The Lord promises, “And I will make them and the places around about my hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; and there shall be showers of blessing” (Ez. 34:26).

What do the disciples ask for? They say to their Master, “Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory.” From what kind of heart is such a request made? James and John are Christ’s disciples. They have come to follow and to love their Master. Would we not like to sit beside Him? Would we also desire a seat of prominence above the brethren? Is there not a head table at most church dinners? If we wish to sit next to Jesus, we must first learn to sit at His footstool.

Discussion: What was the request of the disciples to Jesus?

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The Answer—Mark 10:38–40

Jesus answers James and John, revealing the liability or weight of such a position; for one to sit at the left and the other at the right of their Master. “Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? And be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” Whatever we ask of Christ, we must be willing to be identified with Him. The cup which Christ drank was the cup of obedience and sacrifice. To be baptized with the baptism of Christ declares an obedient heart that is willing to be identified with Christ and be set apart in His work. “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Cor. 15:58). When we are identified with Christ, we are also identified with His cross. Jesus says to His disciples, “And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me” (Matt. 10:38).

James and John replied to Jesus, saying, “We can.” Jesus confirms for His disciples that they shall indeed drink the cup which He drank, and be baptized with the baptism with which He is baptized. The one who claims the name of Christ will drink the cup of Christ. The disciple is not above his Master. We who claim to be a follower of Christ will bear the image of Christ, or we will bear the image of a hypocrite.

Jesus taught His disciples, early in their relationship with Him, that He would be glorified in His death and victory: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit” (John 12:24). The principle of service through sacrifice and obedience is seen in the next verse, 25: “He that loveth his life shall lose it: and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.” In this context, Jesus expresses the character of those who follow Him: “If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honor” (John 12:26).

We do not serve the church, society, or even one another. We serve Christ. We become a true blessing to those around us—in the home, church, society—when we, in our service to Christ, are not ashamed to be identified with Him, in His death and resurrection. We are not ashamed to show obedience to His Word, in our faith, life, and duty.

Discussion: What does it mean to serve Christ?

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The Great Minister—Mark 10:41–45

The other disciples were displeased at the request of James and John, to want to sit at the left and right of Jesus in eternity. However, Jesus calls His disciples to Himself, reminding them that there are those who rule over the Gentiles; but as to their rule in this world, it is this: “whoever will be great among you, shall be your minister; and whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all.” We are to minister (diakonos, deacon, one who is to render service), for Christ to the benefit of others. This is illustrated in the office of a true magistrate, or governor, who knows his responsibility under God: “For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil” (Rom. 13:4).

For a pastor, ruling elder, deacon, or any office one holds within the Body of Christ, His congregation: to see it as a place of domination does not bear the cross of Christ, does not bear the image of the Savior in his service. “For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” One must always keep the cross of Christ before him if he is to faithfully serve Christ. We were bought with a price. This price our Lord paid on Calvary. Have we counted the cost? What price will we have to pay? Is it to lose one’s life that we might gain it?

Discussion: What does it mean to be a servant of Christ within the congregation?

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Lessons are based on the International Sunday School Lessons for Christian Teaching, copyright © 2010 by the Committee on the Uniform Series.