Sunday Homily | Mark 10 : 35- 45

Summary

The sermon from Mark 10:35-45 reflects on the disciples James and John asking Jesus for a place of honor, revealing their misunderstanding of His mission. Jesus teaches them about humility, servanthood, and the consequences of seeking personal glory. The preacher connects this to modern Christian life, emphasizing the importance of serving others, approaching God without demanding outcomes, and trusting His plan. He encourages the congregation to act as a family in church, sharing joy and support, and to leave their worries in God's hands, trusting His wisdom.

Takeaways

• 📖 James and John asked Jesus to sit at His right and left in His glory, but Jesus reminded them they didn't fully understand their request.
• 🥤 Jesus explained that they would share in His suffering but that places of honor are determined by God.
• 💬 Jesus emphasized that greatness comes from serving others, not seeking authority or status.
• 🙌 Jesus taught that the Son of Man came to serve, not to be served, and to give His life for many.
• 😌 The priest encouraged the congregation to bring their Bibles to church, emphasizing the importance of Scripture study.
• 🤔 The priest pointed out how Jesus was often misunderstood, even by His closest followers, and likened it to how we often misunderstand God's will.
• 🙏 The message highlighted that we often make demands of God, like James and John, without considering the consequences of our requests.
• 🤲 The priest encouraged the congregation to approach God with humility and to accept whatever outcome God chooses, trusting in His wisdom.
• 👪 The priest's vision for the church was for the congregation to function as a family, serving and caring for each other as a community.
• 😊 The priest concluded by reminding the congregation to be joyful in worship, smiling and celebrating together as a united family in Christ.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the gospel reading in the script?

The main topic of the gospel reading is the request of James and John to Jesus, asking to sit at his right and left in his glory, and Jesus’ response emphasizing servitude and sacrifice.

How does Jesus respond to James and John's request?

Jesus responds by telling them they do not know what they are asking, and asks if they can drink the chalice he will drink or be baptized with his baptism. He explains that the places at his right and left are not his to grant.

What lesson does Jesus teach about leadership and greatness?

Jesus teaches that leadership and greatness among his followers do not involve lording authority over others, but rather being a servant to all, as even he came not to be served but to serve.

What is the reaction of the other apostles when they hear about James and John's request?

The other apostles become indignant at James and John for making such a request to Jesus.

How does the speaker relate the behavior of the apostles to modern-day behavior?

The speaker relates the apostles’ behavior to how people today often approach God with demands and personal requests, wanting their way without considering the consequences.

What is the speaker's interpretation of how Jesus felt toward his apostles?

The speaker believes Jesus felt misunderstood by his apostles, despite being close to them, and expresses compassion for their inability to fully grasp his mission.

What examples does the speaker give of Jesus being misunderstood by the apostles?

The speaker mentions incidents from Mark chapters 8, 9, and 10, where the apostles fail to understand Jesus’ predictions about his suffering and death, and instead argue about who will be the greatest among them.

What warning does the speaker give regarding prayer and asking things of God?

The speaker warns to be careful about what we ask from God, as we may not fully understand the consequences of our requests, and sometimes it is better when prayers go unanswered.

What personal anecdote does the speaker share about praying for others' suffering?

The speaker shares that in the past, he has asked Jesus to give him the suffering of others, such as cancer, but a bishop advised him to be careful about such requests, as God may grant them.

What is the speaker's vision for the parish community?

The speaker envisions the parish as a family that cares for one another, not just individuals coming to church, but a community that supports, smiles, and serves together.