WEBVTT 00:00:05.280 --> 00:00:06.719 Well, good morning. 00:00:07.280 --> 00:00:08.480 It's great to be together. 00:00:08.720 --> 00:00:10.640 If we've not met before, my name is Will Trump. 00:00:10.720 --> 00:00:12.560 I'm one of the elders here at Emanuel. 00:00:12.720 --> 00:00:15.439 It's my privilege to bring us God's word this morning. 00:00:15.599 --> 00:00:28.160 Uh, children, uh, learning sheets will be making their way around the room, so do follow along, fill in uh the sections, and then come down the front at the end and we'll discuss the main things we've learned and see if there's a treat in the sweetie tin. 00:00:29.600 --> 00:00:33.359 Today we're continuing in our series in Mark's Gospel. 00:00:33.679 --> 00:00:36.560 Let me pray for our time together in God's Word. 00:00:40.320 --> 00:00:48.399 Psalm 119 says, The unfolding of your words gives light, it imparts understanding to the simple. 00:00:49.280 --> 00:00:56.960 Lord, as we come to your word this morning, help me to unfold your words rightly and faithfully. 00:00:57.280 --> 00:01:08.959 Lord, shine from the page into our lives and give light to us and impart understanding to us, simple ones, because we ask it in the powerful name of the Lord Jesus. 00:01:09.280 --> 00:01:09.920 Amen. 00:01:12.879 --> 00:01:15.519 As I said, we're continuing our series in Mark's Gospel. 00:01:15.599 --> 00:01:27.120 We're in Mark chapter 10, and in today's episode, we come across two different segments, two different stories, where in both cases Jesus asks someone the same question. 00:01:27.280 --> 00:01:28.719 That's quite intriguing, isn't it? 00:01:28.879 --> 00:01:37.200 In the same question pops up twice across these two episodes, and that question is, what do you want me to do for you? 00:01:37.439 --> 00:01:41.439 Jesus asks that question twice, what do you want me to do for you? 00:01:41.680 --> 00:01:44.799 And we'll see two very different responses actually. 00:01:45.040 --> 00:01:48.799 But that does beg the question, what would our answer be? 00:01:49.599 --> 00:01:58.480 Just imagine for a minute, Jesus stood before you with all his power, the power to perform miracles, and he asked you, What do you want me to do for you? 00:01:58.959 --> 00:02:00.400 What would you ask? 00:02:00.719 --> 00:02:02.640 What would you ask, honestly? 00:02:04.079 --> 00:02:07.840 Today, as we open the Bible, God has profound lessons for us. 00:02:07.920 --> 00:02:12.479 Because as we ask ourselves that question, we see what we would actually come asking for. 00:02:12.639 --> 00:02:20.159 We see what that reveals about how we view ourselves, and we see what it reveals about how we view Jesus as well. 00:02:20.639 --> 00:02:25.199 So let me read from Mark chapter 10, starting at verse 32. 00:02:25.680 --> 00:02:28.879 I think in the Church Bibles, it's page 846. 00:02:29.599 --> 00:02:33.439 And as I read, look out for those two instances when Jesus asks that same question. 00:02:33.680 --> 00:02:35.680 What do you want me to do for you? 00:02:36.000 --> 00:02:40.400 Mark chapter 10, from verse 32 to the end of the chapter. 00:02:42.639 --> 00:02:51.360 And they were on the road going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them, and they were amazed, and those who followed were afraid. 00:02:51.599 --> 00:03:15.520 And taking the twelve again, he began to tell them what was to happen to him, saying, See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death, and deliver him over to the Gentiles, and they will mock him and spit on him, and flog him, and kill him, and after three days he will rise. 00:03:16.639 --> 00:03:24.319 And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came up to him and said to him, Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you. 00:03:24.560 --> 00:03:28.479 And he said to them, What do you want me to do for you? 00:03:28.879 --> 00:03:34.479 And they said to him, Grant us to sit one at your right hand and one at your left in your glory. 00:03:34.879 --> 00:03:38.400 Jesus said to them, You do not know what you are asking. 00:03:38.639 --> 00:03:44.800 Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized? 00:03:45.039 --> 00:03:47.680 And they said to him, We are able. 00:03:48.000 --> 00:04:03.680 And Jesus said to them, The cup that I drink you will drink, and with the baptism with which I am baptized you will be baptized, but to sit at my right hand or my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared. 00:04:04.560 --> 00:04:08.800 And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant at James and John. 00:04:09.360 --> 00:04:23.120 And Jesus called them to him and said to them, You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them, but it shall not be so among you. 00:04:23.519 --> 00:04:30.399 But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. 00:04:31.120 --> 00:04:39.680 For even the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. 00:04:40.240 --> 00:04:50.879 And they came to Jericho, and as he was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a great crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the roadside. 00:04:51.120 --> 00:04:59.120 And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me. 00:04:59.360 --> 00:05:02.399 And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. 00:05:02.639 --> 00:05:07.199 But he cried out all the more, Son of David, have mercy on me. 00:05:07.519 --> 00:05:10.639 And Jesus stopped and said, Call him. 00:05:10.959 --> 00:05:15.759 And they called the blind man, saying to him, Take heart, get up, he's calling you. 00:05:16.079 --> 00:05:19.759 And throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. 00:05:20.000 --> 00:05:24.240 And Jesus said to him, What do you want me to do for you? 00:05:25.040 --> 00:05:29.360 And the blind man said to him, Rabbi, let me recover my sight. 00:05:29.600 --> 00:05:32.480 And Jesus said to him, Go your way. 00:05:32.959 --> 00:05:35.120 Your faith has made you well. 00:05:35.360 --> 00:05:40.160 And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him on the way. 00:05:41.759 --> 00:05:44.079 Remarkable stories, isn't it? 00:05:44.480 --> 00:05:51.279 What a contrast in these two episodes between James and John on the one hand and Bartimaeus on the other. 00:05:51.600 --> 00:05:54.079 Two very different ways to live. 00:05:54.720 --> 00:05:57.759 The shock of this passage for us this morning is this. 00:05:58.079 --> 00:06:13.279 Jesus makes it clear that there are two different ways of living, and that those who follow him have to choose between these two opposing value systems, two different lifestyles, two different ways of living, and that these two ways of living are mutually exclusive. 00:06:13.759 --> 00:06:16.240 It's a deeply challenging passage. 00:06:16.480 --> 00:06:21.279 Let's jump into it and let's ask the question what are those two different ways of living? 00:06:21.439 --> 00:06:27.360 Well, firstly, we see the way of the world blinding self-interest. 00:06:27.519 --> 00:06:28.720 That's the first thing we see. 00:06:28.879 --> 00:06:33.519 The way of the world that's blinding self-interest. 00:06:34.319 --> 00:06:35.759 Look what happens in this story. 00:06:35.920 --> 00:06:40.240 Verse 32, they're on the road, they're walking, they're on their way to Jerusalem. 00:06:40.399 --> 00:06:44.079 And verse 32, we see that Jesus is walking ahead of them. 00:06:44.399 --> 00:06:49.600 Then in verse 35, do we see that James and John sidle up to Jesus? 00:06:49.680 --> 00:06:54.560 They catch up with him, they want to have a private chat, and they've got a request for him in verse 35. 00:06:54.800 --> 00:07:00.000 Even in the way they approach Jesus, and even in the way they phrase the question, we know that something's not quite right. 00:07:00.160 --> 00:07:04.160 Maybe they even know from the way they ask the question that's not something's not quite right. 00:07:04.240 --> 00:07:08.079 Because they say, We want you to do whatever we ask of you. 00:07:08.560 --> 00:07:10.639 That's no way to speak to anyone, is it? 00:07:10.879 --> 00:07:14.399 Insisting that someone agrees to your request before you've even spelled it out. 00:07:14.639 --> 00:07:17.600 No way to speak to anyone, let alone Jesus. 00:07:18.480 --> 00:07:21.920 But look at the graciousness of Jesus in verse 36. 00:07:22.079 --> 00:07:28.079 He could have slammed them down, but instead he asks, What do you want me to do for you? 00:07:28.480 --> 00:07:37.439 Like a loving parent, Jesus wants to hear them spell out their requests so he can hear what they really care about, what is their underlying motive? 00:07:37.680 --> 00:07:39.600 So let's look at what their request is. 00:07:39.759 --> 00:07:41.040 Verse 37. 00:07:41.759 --> 00:07:47.279 Grant us to sit one at your right hand and one at your left in your glory. 00:07:47.439 --> 00:07:48.399 Now, what does that mean? 00:07:48.560 --> 00:07:50.879 Sitting at your right hand, at your left hand. 00:07:51.040 --> 00:07:56.000 In those days, sitting at your right hand or your right or your left hand, that meant to have the top jobs. 00:07:56.240 --> 00:08:02.639 Effectively, if Jesus is the king, then they want the jobs of Prime Minister and Chancellor, the top two jobs going. 00:08:03.439 --> 00:08:04.720 So there we have it. 00:08:04.959 --> 00:08:06.000 What's their agenda? 00:08:06.079 --> 00:08:07.519 What are they looking for? 00:08:07.920 --> 00:08:09.439 Self-promotion, isn't it? 00:08:09.519 --> 00:08:10.800 It's self-promotion. 00:08:11.040 --> 00:08:13.439 They want status, the top two jobs. 00:08:13.519 --> 00:08:16.959 They want power, because in those jobs they can exercise power and authority. 00:08:17.040 --> 00:08:21.920 They want prestige, they want probably the wealth that would come with that as well. 00:08:22.399 --> 00:08:30.240 What's interesting is that James and John, they know what they want, and Jesus needs to fit into those plans. 00:08:30.959 --> 00:08:36.399 In fact, for James and John, Jesus' job is basically to make their dreams a reality. 00:08:37.039 --> 00:08:42.320 Now, before we think to ourselves, gosh, we would never ask for anything like that. 00:08:42.639 --> 00:08:45.519 Let's actually see how self-interest works in this passage. 00:08:45.600 --> 00:08:49.919 Because as I've thought about this, I've seen that this is really close to home, isn't it? 00:08:50.159 --> 00:08:53.360 Firstly, do you see that this self-interest is secretive? 00:08:53.600 --> 00:08:55.120 Do you see that in the passage? 00:08:55.279 --> 00:08:59.360 They come up to Jesus, but they don't want the other disciples to know about this. 00:08:59.519 --> 00:09:02.559 This is a hidden agenda just between two brothers. 00:09:02.720 --> 00:09:04.080 They don't want it out in public. 00:09:04.240 --> 00:09:08.399 Gosh, that would be so embarrassing if other people knew just how selfish I am. 00:09:08.879 --> 00:09:10.240 Are we any different? 00:09:10.399 --> 00:09:26.399 You know, we put on a front, I know I do, very respectable on the outside, but deep down, gosh, I wouldn't want anyone to know just how desperate I am to be successful, make a lot of money, be liked by my friends, be popular, look amazing, whatever it might be. 00:09:27.039 --> 00:09:29.759 Our self-interest is secretive, isn't it? 00:09:30.480 --> 00:09:34.080 Our self-interest is also insensitive. 00:09:34.559 --> 00:09:36.639 What has Jesus just been telling them? 00:09:36.799 --> 00:09:39.360 Look up to verse 33 and 34. 00:09:39.679 --> 00:09:42.320 Deeply painful personal sharing from Jesus. 00:09:42.480 --> 00:09:43.919 We're going to Jerusalem. 00:09:44.080 --> 00:09:49.679 The Son of Man will be mocked, they will spit on him, they will flog him, they will kill him. 00:09:49.840 --> 00:09:51.360 And what did James and John say? 00:09:51.679 --> 00:09:52.720 Enough about you, Jesus. 00:09:52.799 --> 00:09:54.240 Can we get back to us, please? 00:09:54.399 --> 00:09:55.600 And our agenda. 00:09:56.480 --> 00:09:58.320 Self-interest is like that, isn't it? 00:09:58.639 --> 00:09:59.919 Insensitive to others. 00:10:00.080 --> 00:10:01.440 It's all about me. 00:10:02.480 --> 00:10:06.240 Self-interest is also competitive and never satisfied. 00:10:06.720 --> 00:10:10.639 Pause and think a minute for who James and John are. 00:10:10.960 --> 00:10:15.600 They're one of the twelve hand-picked disciples picked by Jesus. 00:10:15.679 --> 00:10:17.679 That's already a pretty elite group, isn't it? 00:10:17.840 --> 00:10:19.440 Twelve disciples chosen by Jesus. 00:10:19.519 --> 00:10:20.480 Wow, what a privilege. 00:10:21.039 --> 00:10:22.159 You're in the 12. 00:10:22.480 --> 00:10:27.679 Actually, James and John are actually in the inner group of the top three, if you want to put it that way. 00:10:27.840 --> 00:10:32.879 They've seen some pretty remarkable things that only that group of three have seen, and yet it's not enough. 00:10:33.120 --> 00:10:35.200 For James and John, top three is not enough. 00:10:35.279 --> 00:10:36.399 We need to be top two. 00:10:36.720 --> 00:10:39.519 We need to muscle Peter out of the way because he's a threat to us. 00:10:39.679 --> 00:10:40.879 We need top two. 00:10:41.120 --> 00:10:42.000 Never satisfied. 00:10:42.240 --> 00:10:43.919 That's how self-interest works, isn't it? 00:10:44.080 --> 00:10:48.240 When I'm in the driving seat, when it's my agenda, I'm never satisfied. 00:10:49.120 --> 00:10:50.480 What about the other ten? 00:10:50.639 --> 00:10:51.600 Are they any better? 00:10:51.759 --> 00:10:54.399 Well, when they hear about this, they're indignant. 00:10:54.639 --> 00:11:02.080 Not, I think, not a righteous indignation, not like, oh, you should never have asked for that, but rather frustration that they didn't get there first. 00:11:02.480 --> 00:11:03.679 They're no different. 00:11:03.840 --> 00:11:04.960 They wanted it too. 00:11:05.120 --> 00:11:06.639 That's the problem with self-interest. 00:11:06.720 --> 00:11:09.600 It's competitive, it's never satisfied. 00:11:09.840 --> 00:11:11.039 Isn't it the same today? 00:11:11.200 --> 00:11:12.799 We know this in our own lives, don't we? 00:11:12.960 --> 00:11:16.320 When we're focused on our own agenda, other people are competition. 00:11:16.399 --> 00:11:19.600 They need to get out of the way, or they need to help me further my agenda. 00:11:20.720 --> 00:11:25.919 Most importantly, though, self-interest is deaf and blind. 00:11:26.559 --> 00:11:28.720 Again, think about James and John. 00:11:28.879 --> 00:11:31.360 They've been with Jesus since the start. 00:11:31.600 --> 00:11:35.679 They've recently seen Jesus in all his glory on the mountain. 00:11:35.840 --> 00:11:38.399 And they've definitely understood something of Jesus, haven't they? 00:11:38.559 --> 00:11:41.440 Because they say, When you come in your glory. 00:11:41.759 --> 00:11:43.519 So they know that Jesus is a king. 00:11:44.320 --> 00:11:50.080 They know that there's a kingdom coming, but they've then assumed that means that they're on a kind of victory lap. 00:11:50.240 --> 00:11:53.840 You know, they're heading to Jerusalem where they guess Jesus will be enthroned. 00:11:53.919 --> 00:11:56.480 So now is the time to lobby for the top jobs. 00:11:57.200 --> 00:11:59.360 What have they not understood? 00:11:59.679 --> 00:12:05.679 They've not understood that Jesus' mission involves suffering and self-denial. 00:12:06.480 --> 00:12:12.240 Even though Jesus has told them that multiple times, at least three times. 00:12:12.559 --> 00:12:14.080 Oh, they missed that bit. 00:12:14.320 --> 00:12:15.679 That's the problem with self-promotion. 00:12:15.840 --> 00:12:20.240 Self-promotion never learns, and self-promotion has selective hearing. 00:12:20.399 --> 00:12:22.240 I hear what I want to hear. 00:12:22.799 --> 00:12:26.720 And so Jesus responds in verse 38, and he corrects him, doesn't he? 00:12:26.960 --> 00:12:29.120 You don't know what you're asking for. 00:12:29.279 --> 00:12:32.879 Again, a pretty searching diagnosis for us today, isn't it? 00:12:33.120 --> 00:12:37.919 Jesus says, self-interest is not very good at knowing what's good for you. 00:12:38.240 --> 00:12:43.360 Instead, Jesus wants them to see their folly with this obvious question, verse 38. 00:12:43.600 --> 00:12:55.200 His mission is going to involve untold suffering, his upcoming baptism, that's a reference to dying on the cross, drinking the cup, that refers to bearing God's punishment for sin upon himself on the cross. 00:12:55.440 --> 00:12:56.720 Can they do that? 00:12:57.440 --> 00:12:59.759 What is their response in verse 39? 00:13:00.399 --> 00:13:01.919 We are able. 00:13:09.360 --> 00:13:11.759 Self-interest is deluded. 00:13:12.559 --> 00:13:16.240 Now, by this point, I think we're shaking our heads at James and John. 00:13:16.720 --> 00:13:19.039 But are we actually any different? 00:13:19.679 --> 00:13:31.759 If you're not a Christian here today, you wouldn't call yourself a follower of Jesus, then the Bible would say that because you haven't handed over control of your life to Jesus, then by definition, self-interest runs the show. 00:13:31.919 --> 00:13:34.960 It's me and my agenda in charge. 00:13:35.200 --> 00:13:37.679 Now maybe that's done in a very respectable way. 00:13:37.840 --> 00:13:44.320 Maybe it's with words like I'm looking to achieve my full potential, or I have a duty to myself to be happy. 00:13:44.559 --> 00:13:50.159 But do you see any of these hallmarks of the James and John mentality, the way of the world in your life? 00:13:50.399 --> 00:13:57.200 It's competitive, it's a secret agenda, it's insensitive to others, and it's never satisfied. 00:13:58.639 --> 00:14:04.639 But even as believers, which I guess is most of us in this room, even as followers of Jesus, there is always a risk, isn't there? 00:14:04.879 --> 00:14:08.000 That our own agenda wants to take over. 00:14:08.720 --> 00:14:14.639 That voice that says, I like Jesus, but it's got to be on my terms. 00:14:16.080 --> 00:14:17.039 What would that look like? 00:14:17.200 --> 00:14:20.240 Well, maybe I can suggest a couple of areas of application. 00:14:20.320 --> 00:14:21.360 I'm sure there are many more. 00:14:21.519 --> 00:14:24.159 Maybe in the area of priorities. 00:14:24.320 --> 00:14:32.799 You know, maybe a mentality that says, look, I'm glad to be associated with Jesus, as long as it doesn't get in the way of what I actually want to be doing. 00:14:33.039 --> 00:14:36.639 You know, maybe it's uh other things that always want to come first. 00:14:36.799 --> 00:14:40.879 Maybe it's sport or uh children's club, maybe it's seeing family and friends. 00:14:40.960 --> 00:14:44.480 Those things, of course, they're far more important than following Jesus. 00:14:44.639 --> 00:14:48.240 Of course, those things are going to come first because it's on my terms. 00:14:48.320 --> 00:14:50.080 It's my agenda that comes first. 00:14:50.320 --> 00:14:54.080 Or don't expect me to be sacrificial with my time, my money, my resources. 00:14:54.159 --> 00:14:55.679 No, but hands off that. 00:14:57.200 --> 00:14:59.600 Jesus, but on my terms. 00:14:59.840 --> 00:15:03.039 Or maybe it's in the area of sin, fighting sin. 00:15:03.919 --> 00:15:22.240 A mentality that says, yes, I identify as a Christian, but I have no intention of fighting sin, you know, giving up that way of living, maybe that sinful habit which I know is wrong, or maybe I have no desire to make progress in that ingrained attitude, that way of living that I have no desire to make progress in. 00:15:22.399 --> 00:15:26.240 Maybe it's, I don't know, areas of gossip or resentment or envy. 00:15:27.120 --> 00:15:29.840 I follow Jesus, but it's got to be on my terms. 00:15:30.159 --> 00:15:37.440 Now, if that's us, and I know it's all of us, I know it's me, then we need to see the way of Jesus. 00:15:37.679 --> 00:15:38.960 We've seen the way of the world. 00:15:39.039 --> 00:15:40.639 That's blinding self-interest. 00:15:40.720 --> 00:15:42.240 We need to see the way of Jesus. 00:15:42.399 --> 00:15:44.080 That's radical self-sacrifice. 00:15:44.159 --> 00:15:46.240 That's our second point this morning. 00:15:47.279 --> 00:15:50.080 Jesus gathers all his disciples around him. 00:15:50.399 --> 00:15:54.720 Verse 42, it's an opportunity to teach and to correct them. 00:15:55.120 --> 00:15:59.440 Verse 42, like any good teacher, he starts with what they already know. 00:15:59.759 --> 00:16:06.879 You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 00:16:07.039 --> 00:16:08.159 You know what it's like in the world? 00:16:08.240 --> 00:16:14.960 You know, people with power lord it over others around them, jockeying for power, authority, status. 00:16:15.120 --> 00:16:16.240 Well, of course they know it. 00:16:16.320 --> 00:16:18.080 They've just been the living embodiment of it. 00:16:18.159 --> 00:16:20.080 The disciples jockeying for power. 00:16:20.320 --> 00:16:23.519 Jesus says, there is another way to live. 00:16:23.840 --> 00:16:27.759 Jesus says in verse 43, not so with you. 00:16:28.320 --> 00:16:31.919 Instead, he offers them a radically different way to live. 00:16:32.240 --> 00:16:33.519 Verse 43. 00:16:33.919 --> 00:16:41.679 But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. 00:16:42.240 --> 00:16:45.440 There is a different way to live, a radically different way to live. 00:16:45.600 --> 00:16:51.039 Not self-promotion, but self-sacrifice, self-denial, putting others first. 00:16:51.279 --> 00:16:53.919 Now we've all seen this in the, haven't we, in our lives? 00:16:54.080 --> 00:16:59.759 Sometimes it's just a glimpse of it in the workplace, someone high up, putting someone low down first, putting their needs first. 00:16:59.840 --> 00:17:02.720 Maybe it's in a family setting, maybe it's in a friendship group. 00:17:02.799 --> 00:17:06.559 And it's beautiful, isn't it, when we give up our own interests and we put others first. 00:17:06.720 --> 00:17:08.079 Self-sacrifice. 00:17:08.400 --> 00:17:12.319 James and John, they were willing to throw their friends under a bus to get to the top. 00:17:12.480 --> 00:17:14.000 And Jesus is just the opposite. 00:17:14.079 --> 00:17:16.720 He's willing to give his life for his friends. 00:17:16.880 --> 00:17:18.240 It's radically different. 00:17:18.400 --> 00:17:19.599 It's beautiful. 00:17:19.839 --> 00:17:22.720 And Jesus, as I said, is no hypocrite here. 00:17:23.039 --> 00:17:26.000 He went first and was the ultimate example of this. 00:17:26.079 --> 00:17:27.519 Look at verse 45. 00:17:28.960 --> 00:17:36.240 For even the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many. 00:17:36.559 --> 00:17:38.319 What a contrast. 00:17:38.640 --> 00:17:40.559 That is the ultimate sacrifice, isn't it? 00:17:40.799 --> 00:17:49.039 James and John's self-promotion, Jesus' self-sacrifice, the ultimate sacrifice, giving his life for others. 00:17:49.359 --> 00:17:52.480 Jesus is our ultimate example. 00:17:53.519 --> 00:17:57.599 But we also need to see that Jesus is more than just our example. 00:17:57.839 --> 00:17:59.119 This is quite relevant for me. 00:17:59.200 --> 00:18:02.799 I grew up in Belgium, a Roman Catholic country where most people have no faith. 00:18:02.960 --> 00:18:07.839 But if you ask them, they'd probably say, Yeah, Jesus, he's a good man, he's a good example to follow. 00:18:08.079 --> 00:18:10.720 And this passage seems to say that Jesus is an example. 00:18:10.880 --> 00:18:14.640 Yes, he is an example, but he's much more than an example. 00:18:14.880 --> 00:18:17.039 Look at verse 45 again. 00:18:17.519 --> 00:18:25.839 For even the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. 00:18:26.079 --> 00:18:29.279 It doesn't say give his life as an example for many. 00:18:29.599 --> 00:18:31.759 Give his life as a ransom for many. 00:18:31.920 --> 00:18:36.160 It is an example that is much more than just an example going on at the cross. 00:18:36.319 --> 00:18:39.440 Jesus gave his life as a ransom for many. 00:18:39.599 --> 00:18:41.359 Now, what does that mean, ransom? 00:18:41.519 --> 00:18:43.759 When do you come across the word ransom in your life? 00:18:43.839 --> 00:18:46.240 Well, it's territory of hostages, isn't it? 00:18:46.319 --> 00:18:48.720 And prisoners who have to be bought back at a price. 00:18:48.960 --> 00:18:54.480 One of my favourite films is Proof of Life, where they have to pay the ransom payment to win back the hostage. 00:18:54.720 --> 00:18:57.359 Paying the price to win someone back. 00:18:57.839 --> 00:19:00.640 Jesus at this point is on his way to Jerusalem. 00:19:00.799 --> 00:19:02.880 He's going to go and die on a cross. 00:19:03.039 --> 00:19:09.519 Not as a tragic accident, but as the way to pay that ransom with his life for many. 00:19:10.000 --> 00:19:10.640 For many. 00:19:10.799 --> 00:19:18.799 That links to prophecies in Isaiah chapter 53, verse 12, where we're told that one would come and bear the sins of many. 00:19:19.359 --> 00:19:20.000 Many. 00:19:20.160 --> 00:19:21.920 That's you and me, isn't it? 00:19:22.160 --> 00:19:32.480 Many who were prisoners to sin, prisoners to self-obsession, who can now be brought back by Jesus, who need to be brought back by Jesus. 00:19:34.319 --> 00:19:38.960 So let's ask ourselves: did James and John get what they were looking for? 00:19:39.200 --> 00:19:41.119 Did they get what they were asking for? 00:19:41.359 --> 00:19:42.640 Well, no, they didn't, did they? 00:19:42.799 --> 00:19:46.400 They came to Jesus with their agenda, self-promotion, top jobs. 00:19:46.640 --> 00:19:48.079 That's not what they got. 00:19:48.720 --> 00:19:52.640 But do we see that what Jesus offers them is actually far greater? 00:19:52.960 --> 00:19:55.920 Do we see that what Jesus offers them is far greater? 00:19:56.079 --> 00:19:57.440 They want self-promotion. 00:19:57.759 --> 00:19:59.200 He gives them salvation. 00:19:59.440 --> 00:20:01.519 He gives his life for them. 00:20:01.839 --> 00:20:04.880 Now at this point in the story, the disciples aren't getting it. 00:20:05.119 --> 00:20:06.559 But later they will understand it. 00:20:06.640 --> 00:20:10.079 The penny drops later and it changes everything for them. 00:20:10.559 --> 00:20:17.119 But a big question for each of us to ask ourselves deep down have we accepted this from Jesus? 00:20:17.279 --> 00:20:20.400 He he offers himself up as the ransom payment. 00:20:20.480 --> 00:20:22.480 He gave his life for each of us. 00:20:22.960 --> 00:20:24.799 Have we asked Jesus for that? 00:20:24.960 --> 00:20:27.039 Have we accepted his offer? 00:20:27.359 --> 00:20:32.000 Because in this episode, we see that some people want nothing to do with Jesus. 00:20:32.079 --> 00:20:33.599 We actually see that up in verse 33. 00:20:33.680 --> 00:20:36.400 The scribes and the chief priests, they'll want Jesus dead. 00:20:36.559 --> 00:20:37.519 We see that today as well. 00:20:37.680 --> 00:20:40.000 Some people want Jesus gone, out of the picture. 00:20:40.240 --> 00:20:43.920 Others, like James and John, they want Jesus, but on their terms. 00:20:44.480 --> 00:20:50.079 But have you gone to Jesus and asked him, Will you give your life as a ransom for me? 00:20:50.319 --> 00:20:52.640 That's the question that Jesus wants us to ask him. 00:20:52.799 --> 00:20:56.720 And when we ask that question, will you give your life as a ransom for me? 00:20:57.039 --> 00:20:59.920 Jesus gladly replies, Yes, I will. 00:21:00.400 --> 00:21:03.039 I have ransom paid. 00:21:03.839 --> 00:21:06.799 Now, what might it look like to receive that? 00:21:07.279 --> 00:21:10.000 Well, I think it's time to meet Bartimaeus. 00:21:10.240 --> 00:21:11.599 Time for point three. 00:21:11.759 --> 00:21:15.759 The way in and the way on, look to Jesus. 00:21:16.160 --> 00:21:20.559 The way in and the way on, look to Jesus. 00:21:21.119 --> 00:21:23.920 The next episode here, it's not here by accident. 00:21:24.160 --> 00:21:26.480 It's here as a contrast to James and John. 00:21:26.559 --> 00:21:29.519 It's here as an example of a model disciple. 00:21:29.759 --> 00:21:32.400 Verse 46, they're in Jericho now. 00:21:32.559 --> 00:21:35.039 Now they're just 20 miles from Jerusalem. 00:21:35.200 --> 00:21:36.960 And there are huge crowds, aren't there? 00:21:37.039 --> 00:21:38.960 You see that in verse 46? 00:21:39.759 --> 00:21:49.200 Crowds, surrounded, and yet the focus is on Bartimaeus, a blind beggar in verse 46, a nobody. 00:21:49.440 --> 00:21:50.880 He sat by the roadside. 00:21:51.039 --> 00:21:52.720 I guess it's just a normal day for him. 00:21:52.799 --> 00:21:54.880 Let's see how begging goes today. 00:21:55.359 --> 00:22:02.799 But by the end of this day, Bartimaeus will have 20-20 eyesight, and he will be following Jesus along the way. 00:22:03.599 --> 00:22:07.519 What do we learn from Bartimaeus, the model disciple? 00:22:07.759 --> 00:22:12.480 Again, it's most instructive, and it's a huge contrast to James and John. 00:22:12.799 --> 00:22:15.119 Bartimaeus has faith. 00:22:15.599 --> 00:22:16.559 What does that look like? 00:22:16.640 --> 00:22:23.599 Well, Bartimae's faith, it has a big view of Jesus, and it has a small view of self. 00:22:23.759 --> 00:22:25.599 It's just the opposite of James and John. 00:22:25.759 --> 00:22:28.880 Bartimaeus, he has a big view of Jesus. 00:22:29.200 --> 00:22:32.799 He hears that Jesus is coming through town, verse 47. 00:22:33.039 --> 00:22:42.960 He calls out in verse 48, but he doesn't call out using Jesus' human name, if I can put it that way, Jesus of Nazareth, you know, name and place of origin. 00:22:43.200 --> 00:22:45.759 No, he doesn't say Jesus of Nazareth. 00:22:45.920 --> 00:22:48.799 He says Jesus, Son of David. 00:22:49.119 --> 00:22:50.319 Have mercy on me. 00:22:50.559 --> 00:22:54.960 Now this is the first time in Mark's Gospel that Jesus is called the Son of David. 00:22:55.119 --> 00:22:56.720 Isn't that quite amazing? 00:22:56.960 --> 00:23:00.720 Jesus, son of David, Son of David is a messianic term. 00:23:00.799 --> 00:23:05.200 It's talking about the coming king that's been long awaited, promised in the Old Testament. 00:23:05.359 --> 00:23:07.680 Here he is, the Son of David, the Messiah. 00:23:07.920 --> 00:23:10.799 And it's on the lips of a blind beggar. 00:23:11.759 --> 00:23:13.759 How did he figure that out? 00:23:14.000 --> 00:23:16.799 That Jesus is the son of David, the Messiah. 00:23:17.039 --> 00:23:18.160 We don't know. 00:23:18.400 --> 00:23:22.960 It's remarkable, isn't it, that someone with no eyesight has remarkable insight. 00:23:23.359 --> 00:23:24.880 He knows who Jesus is. 00:23:25.039 --> 00:23:28.799 Maybe he's been hearing stories of other blind people being healed. 00:23:29.039 --> 00:23:38.880 Maybe that news has been traveling fast, and he's calling to mind those prophecies of Isaiah chapter 35 that when the Messiah comes, the blind will recover their sight. 00:23:39.599 --> 00:23:41.200 This is the Messiah. 00:23:41.440 --> 00:23:43.759 And his words, have mercy on me. 00:23:43.920 --> 00:23:47.440 These are words that are usually associated with speaking to God. 00:23:47.599 --> 00:23:52.160 You look at uh Psalm 51, for example, O God, have mercy on me. 00:23:52.480 --> 00:23:55.599 So this blind beggar, he knows he's calling on the Messiah. 00:23:55.680 --> 00:23:58.880 He also knows he's calling on the divine, on God Himself. 00:23:59.279 --> 00:24:01.920 That's a big view of Jesus, isn't it? 00:24:02.480 --> 00:24:05.039 And he has a small view of himself. 00:24:05.279 --> 00:24:06.319 Unlike James and John. 00:24:06.480 --> 00:24:08.799 Bartimez, he has a small view of himself. 00:24:08.960 --> 00:24:12.000 He cries out, Have mercy on me. 00:24:12.319 --> 00:24:15.519 Now that's the cry of someone who brings nothing to the party, isn't it? 00:24:15.680 --> 00:24:16.400 Have mercy on me. 00:24:16.480 --> 00:24:21.119 It's like the cry of a prisoner on death row, I'm begging for mercy. 00:24:21.279 --> 00:24:22.960 Someone who acknowledges their status. 00:24:23.039 --> 00:24:24.319 They've got nothing to bring. 00:24:24.480 --> 00:24:33.440 They're in a position of misery, they're in a position of desperation, but they know they are calling out to someone in a position of authority who can do something about it. 00:24:33.839 --> 00:24:36.079 That is the opposite of James and John. 00:24:36.400 --> 00:24:40.319 They came with all their credentials, asking for top jobs. 00:24:40.640 --> 00:24:44.319 Bartimaeus came with nothing, calling out in desperation. 00:24:45.200 --> 00:24:48.319 Now let's see how Jesus responds to that kind of faith. 00:24:48.480 --> 00:24:54.480 How does Jesus respond when you come to him with that kind of faith, a big view of Jesus, a small view of self? 00:24:54.720 --> 00:24:57.839 Well, firstly, we see that Jesus stopped. 00:24:58.160 --> 00:24:59.519 Verse 49. 00:25:01.279 --> 00:25:06.160 It says, Jesus stopped and said, Call him. 00:25:06.559 --> 00:25:07.839 Isn't that remarkable? 00:25:08.079 --> 00:25:13.680 In the busyness, the crowd, the noise, Jesus heard that cry of desperation. 00:25:13.920 --> 00:25:15.599 And Jesus stopped. 00:25:15.839 --> 00:25:19.759 Jesus had time for someone as insignificant as Bartimaeus. 00:25:19.839 --> 00:25:26.400 And dare I say someone as insignificant as you or me, Jesus hears that cry of desperation when we call out in faith. 00:25:26.640 --> 00:25:31.599 He calls him to him and he asks him that very same question in verse 51. 00:25:31.920 --> 00:25:33.680 What do you want me to do for you? 00:25:33.839 --> 00:25:35.599 I mean, surely it would have been obvious, right? 00:25:35.759 --> 00:25:37.680 A blind beggar, what do you want me to do for you? 00:25:37.920 --> 00:25:39.519 Why ask that question? 00:25:39.759 --> 00:25:45.759 Maybe it was a teaching opportunity for James and John, who were probably stood there sheepishly staring at the ground. 00:25:46.400 --> 00:25:51.599 Or maybe it's because it gives the opportunity to Bartimaeus to express his faith. 00:25:51.759 --> 00:25:53.519 Because what is Bartimaeus going to do? 00:25:53.599 --> 00:25:56.720 He's going to ask for the impossible, let me recover my sight. 00:25:56.880 --> 00:26:03.119 But he's going to ask for the impossible from a person that he believes has the power to do the impossible. 00:26:03.440 --> 00:26:05.599 Jesus, son of David. 00:26:05.839 --> 00:26:08.880 He says, Rabbi, let me recover my sight. 00:26:09.599 --> 00:26:11.039 Think about Bartimaeus. 00:26:11.200 --> 00:26:13.039 His sight will mean everything to him, won't it? 00:26:13.200 --> 00:26:18.480 He'll be freed from a life of begging, he will begin a productive life, a social life. 00:26:18.880 --> 00:26:26.240 And Jesus wonderfully heals him and says in verse 52, Go your way. 00:26:26.559 --> 00:26:28.720 Your faith has made you well. 00:26:29.680 --> 00:26:33.839 And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him on the way. 00:26:34.240 --> 00:26:35.839 Isn't that an amazing miracle? 00:26:36.000 --> 00:26:38.319 He's been physically healed. 00:26:38.640 --> 00:26:39.920 I think that definitely happened. 00:26:40.000 --> 00:26:43.279 Otherwise, how would he have followed Jesus along the way unless his eyesight was fixed? 00:26:43.440 --> 00:26:48.400 He's been physically healed, but more than that, he's been spiritually saved as well. 00:26:48.640 --> 00:26:49.759 Now, why do I say that? 00:26:49.920 --> 00:26:53.839 The word there for healed in the Greek has a kind of variety of meanings. 00:26:53.920 --> 00:26:57.920 It can mean to save, to rescue, to deliver, to heal. 00:26:58.400 --> 00:27:06.240 Yes, he's clearly been physically healed, but he's also been spiritually saved, which makes much more sense of his response. 00:27:06.400 --> 00:27:09.759 He's been saved, he's been called by Jesus, and now he wants to follow. 00:27:10.000 --> 00:27:12.160 He followed Jesus on the way. 00:27:12.559 --> 00:27:17.519