COMMENTARY ON MARK


LESSON NUMBER 117

 

     Mark 10:41 And when the ten heard it, they began to be much displeased with James and John. 42 But Jesus called them to Him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. 43 But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: 44 And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. 45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:41-45; Matthew 20:24-28; Lk 22:25-26)


A NEW ORDER OF GREATNESS

 

 

INTRODUCTION

               Jesus never became embroiled in the discussions of His disciples. You can sense that His desire was not to become a part of their lives, but for them to become a part of His life and work. He would often use their discussions as a time to open up some facet of the Kingdom that was, at the time, obscure to them. In matters relating to life and godliness, understanding is pivotal, and opinion has no point. In fact, the only place opinion can make an entrance is where understanding is not possessed. Wherever theologically variant views or opinions are valued, the truth is not known. Truth is not determined by judgment, but by knowledge: i.e., “Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). This is central to spiritual life. Truth is never unveiled through a consensus – or many different people coming to a state of agreement. That was the basis for the condemnation of Jesus by the Jewish counsel – they all agreed. It was the basis for the stoning of Stephen – they all agreed. Valid agreement must be the result of knowing – truly knowing, or being acquainted with the truth as it is in Jesus. James and John had made a request of Jesus because of something they did not understand. Now the other disciples are displeased with James and John because of something they do not understand. In both cases, the Lord will bring understanding to them, clarifying things that were obscure to them at the time. As we consider this text, it is good to determine that we will spend less time talking about what we do not understand, and more time listening to Him who is speaking from heaven. In so doing, mere talk will be transformed to edification.

 

DISPLEASURE AND THE MANNER OF THE GENTILES

                Mark 10:41 And when the ten heard it, they began to be much displeased with James and John. 42 But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them.”

 

               WHEN THE TEN HEARD IT. Notice with what precision the Holy Spirit speaks when referring to the apostles. When all of them are referenced, they are called “the twelve” (Mk 4:10; 9:35; 11:11; 14:17). Now that two of them are being addressed by Jesus, He refers to the others as “the ten” (Matt 20:24; Mk 10:41). After Judas had fallen, they are referred to as “the eleven” (Matt 28:16; Mk 16:14; Lk 24:9,33). When Matthias as added to their number, it is said he was “numbered with the eleven” (Acts 1:26). After the office of Judas has been filled by Matthias, they are again referred to as “the twelve” (Acts 6:2). On Pentecost, when Peter stood up with the other apostles, it is said that he was “standing up with the eleven” (Acts 2:14). When John was shown the glorified church, the apostles are referred to as “the twelve apostles of the Lamb” (Rev 21:14). There was never, then, as addition to this number of men. Paul’s apostleship was unique, him being “born out of due time” (1 Cor 15:8), being “separated” by God from his “mother’s womb” to be the apostle of the Gentiles” (Gal 1:15; Rom 11:13). These men were those chosen and sent by Jesus to lay down the foundation: ”the twelve” to the Jews, or “circumcision,” and Paul to the Gentiles, or “uncircumcision” (Gal 2:8). No other men were referred to as “apostles” in this sense, and it is improper to do so today. Barnabas is referred to as an apostle because he was “separated” and sent forth by the Spirit with Paul (Acts 13:2; 14:14). We dare not view the apostles as mere men.

 

               THEY BEGAN TO BE MUCH DISPLEASED. Other versions read “began to feel indignant,” NASB “became indignant,” NIV and “began to be angry.” NRSV Matthew says they were “moved with indignation against the two brethren” (Matt 20:24). This confirms that James and John, together with their mother, had not pulled Jesus aside, and requested Him privately to seat them at His right and left hands in His glory. It was not a request to have dominion over the other apostles, or to displace them, else they would have asked it in total isolation from the other apostles. They were ignorant of the nature of the Kingdom, and questions asked out of such ignorance cannot be stated in a proper manner. The whole matter angered the other apostles because they could see no good in it. It had a competitive appearance about it, and thus incensed them.

 

               JESUS CALLED THEM TO HIM. There is a certain necessity of being in proximity to Jesus if learning is to be experienced. Now, Jesus will address them all, for the misunderstanding of the nature of the Kingdom was common to them all.

 

               THE GENTILES AND LORDSHIP. Jesus affirms that the recognized rulers among the Gentiles “exercise lordship over them,” and the “high officials” NIV even “exercise authority over” those rulers. Luke adds the ones exercising authority are “called benefactors,” or those who have done good to the people (Lk 22:25). These two texts are the only places in the Bible where the word “Lordship” is used. The meaning of the word is “to bring under one’s power, to subject to oneself, to subdue, or master.” THAYER The idea is that they bind, or impose, their will upon the people. There is a hierarchy of power, or authority, with the greater authorities ruling over the lesser ones, who exercise rule over the people. Among the Gentiles, the supreme rulers raise up men according to their own good pleasure and give them authority over others. They make laws, and enforce them upon the people, lording it over them, or imposing their will upon them. This is the principle of worldly government, or authority.

 

               As long as this kind of power operates within the boundaries of Divine intent, it is of itself right. Those boundaries are defined in Scripture. “For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: for he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil (Rom 13:4). Briefly summarized, the Divinely ordained purpose of civil rulers is the encouragement of doing good, and the punishment of evil doers.

 

               The exercising of “lordship” is the strict enforcement of these objectives, which are done for the good of the people. Law, by it’s very nature, must be enforced, and “lordship” is the means by which that is done.

 

               It ought to be noted that the word “lordship” is nowhere applied to Christ Jesus – even though He is “Lord over all” (Rom 10:12). There is a different manner of authority in His kingdom. I fear it is as little known today as it was during the time of our text. Jesus will now show His apostles that sitting at His right and left hand does not have to do with enforcing the rules after the manner of Gentile dignities. That is not the fashion of His Kingdom.

 

IT SHALL NOT BE AMONG YOU

                43 But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: 44 And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all.”

 

               IT SHALL NOT BE AMONG YOU! Other versions read, “It is not so,” NIV “That’s not the way it is going to be,” GWN and “But this is not to be so.” AMPLIFIED Luke reads, “ye shall not be so” (Lk 22:26). The language is very strong, and is not intended to be a suggestion, or a goal which the disciples are to endeavor to reach. The idea is that there is no place for this kind of rule within the Kingdom of God. Within Christ, there is no position that exercises dominion over another. Solemnly, those who are leaders at told, “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof . . . neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock” (1 Pet 5:2-3). Those who “lord” it over God’s heritage are seeking to impose their own will upon the people. Those who “feed” the flock, taking the “oversight” allotted to them by the Holy Spirit (Acts 20:28) are seeking the advantage of the flock of God, not their own. They are delivering to the people what God has given to be dispensed.

 

               Speaking to the premier person among “the twelve” – Peter, to whom the keys of the Kingdom were given (Matt 16:19) – Jesus said, “Feed My lambs . . . Feed My sheep . . . Feed My sheep” (John 21:16-17). It is not possible to have more Kingdom authority than Peter had, for he was given “the keys of the Kingdom of heaven” (Matt 16:19). Yet, this was not in order to the imposition of Peter’s own will. He was not made a ruler after the manner of the Gentiles.

No provision id made for that. If it is found, men have imposed it upon the people of God. Not, “It ought not be,” but shall not be.” That is, there is no way such conduct will be approved.

 

               I have already mentioned that the term “lordship” is never applied to Jesus, even though He is “Lord over all.” Strictly speaking, He is not implementing His own will, but the will of the Father. His atoning death and its effects were “according to the will of God and our Father” (Gal 1:4). From another point of view, God is working His will in us “through Jesus Christ” (Heb 13:21). Even the Holy Spirit, who Himself is Divine and referred to as “God” (Acts 5:3-4) makes intercession within the believers “according to the will of God” (Rom 8:27).

 

               To be sure, Jesus will subdue all of His enemies – but it will be done by the display of His magnificent glory, not by forceful means as ordinarily perceived. That is, Jesus is really over His enemies – over them by his very nature, and they are under Him by their very nature. As soon as His enemies see Him as He is, they will bow before Him, and will resist no more. The rulers of the Gentiles are not of such an order.

 

               Anyone who has labored in the Lord’s vineyard for any period of time knows that church leaders impose their own will upon the people – whether it is firing a faithful preacher, or directing the focus of the congregation into questionable areas. However, their job is not to manage the flock, but to feed it. God has made absolutely no provision for any other kind of leader. Even in the gift of “governments” (1 Cor 12:28), it is not after the manner of the Gentiles. If this is true, then those who are exercising dominion over God’s people are imposters, imposing their wills upon “the flock of God.” They will not be judged as duly appointed representative of God, but as imposters. Their future is very bleak.

 

               WHOSOEVER WILL BE GREAT. “Whosoever will” means “whoever wishes,” NASB or “whoever wants to become.” NIV If anyone has the desire to be prominent, or be a leader, or occupy a high position, Jesus tells them how they are to think about the matter. His words will be in keeping with what He has said about the different manner of His Kingdom.

 

               SHALL BE YOUR MINISTER. Other versions read, “shall be your servant,” NKJV and “must be your servant.” AMPLIFIED Matthew reads, “let him be your servant” (Matt 20:27). This does not mean serve the people’s interests! It rather means that what God has provided for the people is served to them – like the disciples distributed the bread at the feeding of the 5,000 and 4,000 (Mk 6:41; 8:6-7). This is not speaking of serving tables – i.e., meeting the temporal needs of the people. The apostles, who were actually leaders in the household of faith, refused to “leave the word of God” for such things (Acts 6:2). It is not that such service was wrong, it is that is not the proper use of Kingdom power and authority.

 

               The remarkable absence of spiritual service, as here defined, being rendered by the professional ministry, and other forms of church leadership, is staggering.

 

               THE SERVANT IS THE CHIEF! Like Joseph was in Egypt, the “chief” is the one who has access to the corn, and has been given the right to distribute it. Stated in Scriptural terms, it is the one who labors “in the Word and doctrine” – that is, in ingesting the Word, and teaching it. Such persons are described as “elders that rule well.” That is, they are “chief,” and that position is confirmed by the fact that they are properly dispensing food to the flock.

 

               There is no place for a career-minded thrust in Christ’s kingdom. That is more of a Gentile mind-set, and has no place in the work of Christ. Of course, adhering to this principle would dissolve the decided majority of professional Christian training.

 

THE SUPREME EXAMPLE, OR PATTERN

                45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”

 

               FOR EVEN. Other versions read, “For also,” DARBY “For truly,” BBE “For verily,” ESV “It’s the same way,” GWN and “because.” IE That is, this principle is perceived most clearly in the Savior Himself. Here is the One to whom “all power in heaven and earth” has been given (Matt 28:18). He has been exalted “above all” (Eph 1:21), and given a name “that is above every name” (Phil 2:9). Every knee will bow to Him, and every tongue will confess Him to God (Rom 14:11). There is no doubt about who He IS! He is “the only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords” (1 Tim 6:15).

 

               Here is the premier example of one who is Chief! He is the “CHIEF Cornerstone” (Eph 2:20), and “the CHIEF Shepherd” (1 Pet 5:4). It is not possible for there to be a legitimate “chief” among the saints who contradicts the nature of the Head of the church. If the predestinated purpose of God is to confirm the justified ones to “the image of His Son” (Rom 8:29), then how is it possible that any leaders among them could be fundamentally unlike the Son? It is not that such a thing is not right. It is that it cannot possibly happen!

 

               CAME NOT TO BE MINISTERED UNTO. Although it was right for men to serve Christ, that is not why He came into the world. He did not come because He wanted to be served! Myriads of angels already served Him! Following His temptation in the wilderness, angels ministered to Jesus (Matt 4:11). After Jesus had healed Peter’s mother-in-law, she arose and “ministered” to Him and His disciples (Matt 8:15). There was also a cluster of holy women who “ministered unto Him” when He was in Galilee (Mk 15:40-41). Joanna, wife of Chuza Herod’s steward, with Susanna and others, also ministered to Jesus “of their substance” (Lk 8:3). None of them were rebuked for their service, and it was right that they should minister to Jesus. But that is not why He came! That is not what he sought! That is not why He humbled Himself and became obedient! For that reason alone, it is wrong for anyone bearing His name to seek to be served, for that is putting oneself ahead of the Master. There is no place for believers being offended because they are not noticed or served! Those who refuse to serve unless they are lauded, are to be eliminated from leadership, for no place has been made for them.

 

               BUT TO MINISTER. Here we have it from the Savior’s own mouth. Rather than coming into the world to be ministered to, He came “to minister,” or “to serve,” NKJV or “to be a servant,” BBE or “help others,” LIVING or “to wait on others.” WEYMOUTH The emphasis here is not on giving people what they want, but what they need: that is, bring true benefits to the people.

 

               In our day, the word “minister” has come to be a title, and speaks of an official position within an organized church. However, this is not its meaning in Scripture. A “minister” is one who serves the best and appointed interests of the people. It is a person who distributes needed resources. One of the great contradictions of our time is that of fallen church leaders – particularly in the area of morality. Such men, regardless of their claims, have served their own interests and not that of the people. They have come to be served, and service is what they seek. Such a person is a damning paradox. Whatever you may think of such a circumstance, there is no place in the Kingdom of God for such a self-serving person – none at all.

 

               TO GIVE HIS LIFE. Jesus is not speaking in a generic or unspecific manner. He precisely defines how He serves his people, and what He came to do. Both Matthew and Mark say the same words: “to give His life a ransom for many,” or “to give His life AS a ransom for many” NIV(Matt 20:28). Here “many” stands for “all,” as in Romans 5:15,16,19). The “many” are set in comparison to the solitary life of Jesus, and are not meant to be mathematical in nature.

 

               The word “ransom” means “the price for redeeming,” or the cost for liberating a soul from a state of misery and futility. Under the Law, when the people were counted, every man was to “give a ransom for his soul unto the Lord” (Ex 30:12). When God delivered Israel from bondage, He said “I gave Egypt for thy ransom” (Isa 43:3). Part of the Gospel is that Jesus “gave Himself a ransom for all” – confirming that “many” stands for “all” (1 Tim 2:6). That is, the price for rescuing humanity was Jesus Himself – the willing forfeiture of His life.

 

               If this is the proper explanation for “minister” – and it is – then we must blot from our minds the notion that Jesus came to minister temporal benefits to us. As popular and seemingly reasonable as that may seem, it could not possibly be more wrong. The death of Christ was not required to ransom you from poverty – or enable God to give you a lot of this world’s goods. Jesus did not have to die so you could be free from illness. Houses and lands are not promised to you because Jesus gave His life, for that is not why He gave it.

 

               But let us get to the point of this text. The real “chief” among God’s people is the one who, through personal forfeiture, and the investment of his time, provides needed spiritual resources to the people. It is the one who, in a sense, gives His life for the life of the people, denying personal interests so that other might obtain Kingdom advantages.