112 14 Habits of Highly Effective Disciples
other words, highly effective disciples hear Jesus’ teaching, follow Jesus’
example, and live according to James’ challenge that true faith is evi-
denced by service to others.
Interpreting the Scriptures
Misplaced Concepts of Identity, Power, and Service (Mark 10:35–40)
10:35 – 40. In Mark 10 Jesus predicted his impending suffering for a
third and final time. Perhaps believing Jesus was continuing to speak in
parables; the disciples misunderstood Jesus’ teaching and missed his def-
inition of the true mission of the Messiah. Rather, James and John, who
along with Peter formed a unique inner circle with Jesus, approached the
Lord with an outlandish request. The entreaty of James and John was
for a guarantee to sit to the right and the left of Jesus in his forthcoming
kingdom. These two brothers asked for the seats of highest honor and
g lor y.
In verse 38 Jesus responded patiently but quite pointedly. The cup
was a common Jewish metaphor for “divine judgment against human
sin”, while baptism or “being under water was an Old Testament picture
of being overwhelmed by calamity.”^1 Jesus therefore indicated that his
disciples must join him in suffering for the advancement of the kingdom
of God.
Redefining Identity, Power, and Service (Mark 10:41–45)
10:41– 45. The other ten apostles immediately responded to this
request with aganakteō, or “indignation”, a word appearing in the New
Testament on only seven occasions. Jesus called the apostles together
and redefined identity, power, and service. Rather than seeking posi-
tions of glory and authority, followers of Jesus were to live as “servants”
(10:43) and “slaves” (10:44) of all.
Greatness is relocated into a paradigm of absolute service. After all
Jesus himself “did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his
life as a ransom for many” (10:45). The word “ransom” in this verse is
lytron and is highly unique in the New Testament, only occurring here
and in Matthew 20:28, a parallel passage to Mark 10. Jesus was focused