October 28-November 1

"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.' And he said to them, 'What do you want me to do for you?' And they said to him, 'Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.' Jesus said to them, 'You do not know what you are asking...' - Mark 10:35-38 (ESV)

True Greatness Requires Sacrifice
Ever hear the story of the guy who quit his job thinking he’d become an instant crypto millionaire? Instead of a yacht, he ended up back at his parents' house. Sometimes we chase after greatness without realizing the cost. That’s a little like what James and John were doing in this passage. They wanted the best seats in Jesus' kingdom but didn’t understand the sacrifice that would take.

In today’s world, greatness is often tied to success, fame, or wealth, but Jesus shows us a different path. True greatness, He says, requires sacrifice. It’s not about getting the best for yourself—it’s about giving your best for others. Just like the healthcare workers who sacrificed time with their families during the pandemic or the firefighters battling wildfires in
dangerous conditions, greatness often looks like selflessness. Jesus set the ultimate example by sacrificing His life for us.

Reflection Questions:
1. What areas of your life require sacrifice so that others can be blessed?

2. How does Jesus' example of sacrifice challenge your current understanding of greatness?

Suggested Prayer:
Lord, help me see greatness as You do—not in power or position, but in sacrifice. Give me the strength to follow Your example and serve others, even when it costs me something. Amen.

"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... But whoever would be great among you must be your servant.'" - Mark 10:42-43 (ESV)

True Greatness Requires Service
Imagine walking into a coffee shop, ordering your favorite latte, and finding out the barista is…Elon Musk. Now that would be unexpected! That’s kind of the surprise Jesus dropped on His disciples when He said, “If you want to be great, you must become a servant.” In a world where CEOs are driven by profit margins and presidents lead with authority, Jesus flips the
script by saying true greatness is about serving others, not being served.

In recent news, we’ve seen ordinary people rise to greatness through service. Take Captain Tom Moore, the 100-year-old British veteran who walked laps in his garden during the pandemic to raise millions for healthcare workers. No title or power—just a servant’s heart. That’s the kind of greatness Jesus is calling us to—humble, unseen service that puts others first.

Reflection Questions:
1. Where in your daily life can you take on the role of a servant?

2. How does the example of servant-leadership change your perspective on leadership and greatness?

Suggested Prayer:
Jesus, You showed us that true greatness is found in serving others. Help me to follow Your example and seek opportunities to serve those around me, even when it’s hard. Amen.

"See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered... and they will mock him and spit on him, and flog him and kill him. And after three days he will rise." - Mark 10:33-34 (ESV)

Jesus’ Prediction: A Promise of Sacrifice
Have you ever seen someone predict their own future? Sure, sports fans love to make predictions, but nothing comes close to Jesus' bold claim here. He didn’t just predict a winning game—He predicted His own suffering, death, and resurrection. And unlike most sports predictions, His came true!

Think of the recent tragic wildfires in Maui. In the face of devastation, many knew rebuilding would take time and sacrifice, but they held onto hope for recovery. Similarly, Jesus predicted His suffering, but He also promised victory—His resurrection. He knew the pain He would face, but He also knew the joy and hope that would come. For us, this means that no matter what hardships we face, we can trust Jesus' promises and the hope He offers on the other side of sacrifice.

Reflection Questions:
1. How does Jesus' prediction of His own suffering and resurrection give you hope in your current struggles?

2. What promises of Jesus do you need to hold onto in difficult times?

Suggested Prayer:
Lord, thank You for going to the cross for me. Help me to trust in Your promises, even when life is hard. Give me hope that, just like You rose from the grave, You will bring me through my trials. Amen.

"For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." - Mark 10:45 (ESV)

Jesus’ Purpose: To Save Us
A shipwrecked mariner spent years on a deserted island, completely alone. Then one morning he sees a ship offshore and a smaller vessel pulling out towards him. When the boat grounded on the beach, the officer in charge handed the marooned sailor a bundle of newspapers and told him: “The captain said to read through these and let us know if you still want to be rescued.”

Jesus came to earth on a divine rescue mission. He didn’t come to be served or to enjoy the perks of heaven while on earth—He came to serve and to give His life as a ransom for us. The word “ransom” means the price paid to free a captive. We were captives to sin, unable to save ourselves, and Jesus paid the ultimate price with His own life to set us free. His purpose in coming to earth wasn’t just to teach or heal—though He did those things—it was to die in our place so that we could have eternal life. This is the heart of the gospel, and it’s the reason we can have hope amid our brokenness. Imagine being in a situation where you couldn’t save yourself (think getting stuck on a roller coaster—yikes!). That’s our
position in sin. We can’t fix it on our own, but Jesus stepped in and paid the price to rescue us from eternal separation from God.

Reflection Questions:
1. How does knowing that Jesus came to rescue you change the way you view His sacrifice?

2. How can you share this “rescue story” with others who need hope?

Suggested Prayer:
Jesus, thank You for rescuing me when I couldn’t save myself. Help me live in gratitude for Your sacrifice and share Your love with those who need it. Amen.

"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... 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.” -  Mark 10:32-33 (ESV)

The Consequences of Sin
The consequences of sin are real, profound, and unavoidable. Jesus knew this as He walked with His disciples toward Jerusalem, where He would face betrayal, suffering, and death. Yet He continued resolutely, explaining to His disciples what lay ahead: the cost of humanity’s sin, and the ransom He would pay to redeem us from it. The most sobering truth about sin is that it demands payment—payment we can never afford.

In our world, we see the impact of sin everywhere, from personal regrets to societal injustices. Jesus’ journey to the cross is a vivid reminder of just how serious sin is and of the enormous price He was willing to pay for our freedom. His suffering on our behalf demonstrates that sin doesn’t just create minor setbacks or inconveniences; it separates us from God and would ultimately lead to eternal separation if not for Jesus' intervention.
We often try to minimize or ignore sin’s consequences, thinking a simple apology or good behavior will cancel it out. But Jesus’ decision to go to Jerusalem—to face judgment, suffering, and death—reveals the depth of God’s justice and mercy.

Reflection Questions:
1. How does understanding the weight of Jesus’ sacrifice affect the way you view your sin?

2. Are there areas in your life where you need to confess and turn away from sin, knowing that Jesus already paid the price?

Suggested Prayer:
Lord, thank You for paying the price for my sins and for enduring the suffering I deserved. Help me to see sin for what it truly is and to live with a heart of gratitude for Your sacrifice. Give me the courage to turn from sin and follow You wholeheartedly. Amen.