The Great Reversal: Our Savior and the Secret of Greatness (Part 2)

When we think about pride I think each of us would come to the conclusion that it truly is as Charles Spurgeon once said "a groundless thing". Yet despite that it is displayed in each one of us. Look back to the disciples and see how even they struggled with this distorting sin. In Mark we read about how each of them fought over who was the greatest among them. Jesus soon reminded them that "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all." This was a new way of thinking even for His 12. James and John asked Christ for a place next to him when he ruled, this too demonstrates their high view of themselves. Their requests to the Lord could have been one of strength during suffering or comfort during trial but they instead selfishly ask for something that manifests their prideful hearts.

Jesus, in his gentle love redefines true greatness. It isn't what the world would look at as "great" but rater what the God of the universe would be pleased by. "What I find especially fascinating and instructive in His next words is that Jesus does not categorically criticize or forbid the desire and ambition to be great. Instead, He clearly redirects that ambition to be great" (Mahaney). Jesus uses himself as the example for all, that He came not to be served but rather to serve many, in fact he came to give His very life as a ransom.

In the 21st century true greatness comes in the form of personal success, self-sufficiency, achievements in school, on the job, or self-righteousness. The Bible explains it much differently: "true greatness as biblically defined is serving others for the glory of God". What?!! That is definitely not something the world welcomes with open arms. Serving others is not something that is done often unless it is on public display for all to see so that those doing it can receive a pat on the back or a word of praise. Yet Mahaney reminds us that there are examples of true greatness all around us, we need to observe and strive to be like them. Think for a moment and I guarantee you will come up with a couple of people who remarkably display this true greatness in their lives. Thank God for that example and then strive to model it as well.

"To learn true humility, we need more than a redefinition of greatness; we need even more than a redefinition of greatness; we need even more than Jesus' personal example of humble service. What we need is His death" (Mahaney). Mark 10:45 says, "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Jesus is the PERFECT example of true greatness. Our Christian service in ministry is to only draw attention to Him. Picture it for a moment, the Lord of the universe leading His disciples to the very place where He will be taken away to be nailed to a cross. Nobody is leading him or forcing him, he is leading the way. He explains to His disciples His coming death as a ransom in which the payment of the condemned sinner would take place. Think of Him saying, "You're lost. Your situation couldn't be more hopeless. And on your won, your incapable of altering or escaping it" (Mahaney). His death was necessary because ALL of humanity has been corrupted by sin and therefore condemned by God.

It is interesting to look at Mark 10 and find yourself in the "gallery of sinners". Whether you are James or John or the rich young ruler you (before Christ) were stained with sin. It is humanly impossible to free ourselves from sin...from pride, but the Savior's death paid the ransom, paid the price required...the life of God's ONLY Son. "How will God save? He will save by executing His Son--for the sake of the rich young rulers, for the sake of James and John, for the sake of ten indignant disciples, and for the sake of proud sinners like you and me" (Mahaney). "

"We go free! We're ransomed...liberated...forgiven of our sins. What a relief! And then we're transformed throughout our lifetimes into the image of His Son, serving others for the glory of God" (Mahaney). If you look at the life of the disciples after Christ's death you see a radical transformation...you see men who were willing to humble themselves, even to the point of death for the sake of the Gospel. What a radical example of a transformed heart by the cross of Christ.

"Consider your own life for a moment. Where would you be today if He hadn't ransomed you, if He hadn't liberated you? I'll tell you where. You would be self-sufficient, seeking to cultivate self-confidence for the purpose of self-glorification. But what has happened to you? If you've been genuinely converted, you've been forgiven and transformed...The cross ransoms, teh cross liberates, the cross transforms! So make it your aim and lifelong habit, when you see someone who's serving, to be reminded of the sacrifice of the Savior, for apart from His sacrifice there is no serving. True greatness is attained only by emulating the Savior's example---and possible only by the Savior's sacrifice" (Mahaney).