Welcome to episode 73 of Grasp the Bible.  In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of Mark, covering chapter 9:30-50.  The series is called “Get in, buckle up, and hold on!”  Today, we discuss: 

• Jesus predicts his death a second time (vv. 30-32) 
• Jesus speaks concerning humility (vv. 33-37) 
• Jesus speaks concerning harmony (vv. 38-41) 
• Jesus speaks concerning hell (vv. 42-50) 

Key takeaways: 

• Jesus’ primary focus is not on authenticating his public ministry, but on instructing the Twelve. 
• Social status was paramount in Jewish culture at the time, which is why the disciples argued about who would be the greatest in the kingdom. 
• Christian leadership is not about personal accolades or accomplishments, but about equipping God’s people to do the work of the ministry. 
• Welcoming a “little child” means breaking social norms, lowering oneself to accept another of lower status and thereby risking one’s own position of power and prestige.   
• It is temptations from within rather than pressure from others that result in moral failure. 

Quotable: 

• The essence of leadership is servanthood. 

Application: 

• We are all called to radical servanthood.  Are we serving others the world may consider as inferior? 
• True servant leadership flips social hierarchy on its head, lifting up and serving those of lower status in the eyes of the world. 
• Authentic servants don’t jealously guard their own personal authority.  They recognize that the advancement of the kingdom of God is more important than personal ambition. 
• Jesus reminds us that our ministries are not about us; they are about the business of the kingdom of God. 
• Take seriously your actions in life, since these actions have eternal consequences.  Do what is needed now to remove sin before it is too late. 

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