Session 8

Roles Reversed (Mark 10:41-45)

41 When the ten disciples heard this, they began to be indignant with James and John.
42 Jesus called them over and said to them,
“You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them,
and those in high positions act as tyrants over them.
43 But it is not so among you.
On the contrary, whoever wants to become great among you will be your servant,
44 and whoever wants to be first among you will be a slave to all.
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.”

Compare:

verses 38-40
discuss the difference between the disciples’ expectations of “the cup” and what Jesus actually meant.
Point out that Jesus made it clear they had a lot to learn.

Transition:

Jesus used this tense moment as an opportunity to teach more about what being a true leader means in His paradigm.

Summarize the disciples’ response to James’s and John’s request.
Imagine you were one of the other disciples.

Ask:

• How would you react to someone else asking for the best seat at the table?

Summarize:

sum up Jesus’s teaching.
Emphasize that Jesus was creating a new definition for leadership: service.
Highlight that He not only provided the definition, but He also would provide the ultimate example to follow.

Ask:

• How do you think the world thinks of servanthood today?
• How does pride get in the way of serving others?

Discuss:

Talk about how Jesus’s emphasis on service sets Christianity apart from other worldviews.
Emphasize that being a servant can be difficult, but it’s an important part of the Christian life.

CHALLENGE

Summarize:

Review these points from this week’s Bible passage:

• Believers should humbly recognize the necessity of the death and resurrection of Jesus.
• Believers must examine their motives for serving others.
• Believers demonstrate Christian character by serving others.

Ask:

• Which of these statements resonates with you the most? Why?

Discuss:

Lead the group to discuss the Apply the Text questions on page 71. Talk about what makes service so difficult in our world. Suggest the group identify and execute a specific service project before the end of the quarter.

Ask:

• What is one specific way you can humble yourself and be a servant this week?

Pray:

Invite the group to pray silently for a few minutes. Encourage them to examine their hearts and to determine what a servant attitude should look like. Close the session in prayer, asking God to help each adult be the servant He created them to be.

AFTER THE SESSION

Reinforce the session by examining your own life for areas where pride keeps you from serving others. Consider ways in which you can serve others this week. Contact the group through email or text and remind them that our aim as believers is to serve, not to be served.