Someone once told me that what they wanted most in life was to be seen and acknowledged for who they were. Some describe that as a hunger for greatness or, at least, a desire to be necessary. We want someone to see who we are and what we can offer. That desire connects with the way that God has made us, views, and relates to us.
Key Texts: Jeremiah 29:11; Matthew 18:1-5; 20:25-28; 1 Peter 5:7
Sermon OutlinE
“You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.” (Mark 10:42-44)
The Hunger for Greatness
Four Ways We Become Confused about Greatness (Mark 10:35-43)
- Confusion about proximity to greatness
- Confusion about reaching for greatness
- Confusion about the cost of greatness
- Confusion about the nature of greatness
Re-learning Greatness with Jesus (Mark 10:43-45; 9:33-37; 10:13-16)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- What is the greatest human event or achievement you have ever witnessed?
- As we continue our journey through Lent this weekend with the “Hungry for God” series, this week we are looking at the hunger for greatness. Begin today’s study by reading Psalm 63:1 aloud, “You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water.”Take a minute or two to let those words sink in. Next, ask God to speak to you as you begin this study.
- Read Mark 10:35-45 aloud. James and John approach Jesus with a request. What do they ask of Him?
- What do you think it means for James and John to sit at the right and left of Jesus in His glory? You may want to compare the parallel account in Matthew 20:20-28.
- Why does Jesus tell them that they “don’t know what you are asking for”? What does He say necessarily comes with the sort of thing they ask?
- Have you ever asked for something great, and then realized afterwards that you didn’t really know what you were looking for or asking for?
- How do the other apostles respond when they hear about the brothers’ request? Why do you think they reacted this way?
- With the disciples in turmoil, Jesus offers a different picture of greatness in verses 42-45. What is that picture and what do you think it means?
- Now, read both Mark 9:33-37 and 10:13-16. How do these complement the picture of greatness that Jesus offers in 10:42-45?
- What is God speaking to you personally through this study? If you are with a small group, discuss that with one another and pray for one another. If you are studying on your own, write it down and share it with someone this week.
DIG DEEPER
- Memorize Psalm 63:1-2 this week.
- Take Off: Take note this week of the ways that you tend to seek attention or turn conversations with others back toward yourself. How many times do you interject or interrupt others with stories of how what they are sharing relates to you? When you dress in the morning, how much of what you wear is intentionally chosen so that you will be noticed? Use the space below to take note of your experience this week.
- Put On: Find ways each day this week to celebrate and build up someone else in your life. Write them a note, throw them a party, brag about them on Facebook, etc. At the end of each day, thank God for specific people and how they have blessed you that day.