Ambition
Mark 10:35-45
Introduction: A trait that each of us should have. Ambition can work for good or bad. Jesus had been preparing Himself as well as
telling His disciples what was going to happen. They were excited because of the magnitude of the event. They
thought Jesus was going to set up His earthly kingdom and place the disciples
in the choice positions of authority and leadership. There were two who were very ambitious and asked Jesus for a very
special favor. James and John were trying to secure themselves the choice
positions with Jesus.
I.
The deceitfulness of wrong ambition. Vs 35
A.
They made a sly approach to Jesus
1. They
wanted the upper hand on the other disciples.
2. They
wanted an inside track in the new government.
B.
This evil ambition was sneaky and consuming them.
1. Even
using people, even loved ones
C.
Note the word of appeal.
1. “Do
for us whatsoever we shall desire”
2. They
wanted Jesus to say yes before He knew their request.
3. That
is because they knew they were wrong.
Bad ambition
D.
Thought: Evil ambition is always deceitful and
sneaky. One will sneak to get things,
sneak for things of the flesh and misuse people. Matthew 23:12
II.
Jesus asked what their request was. Vs 36-37
A.
The answer was quick and to the point. “Grant us - - - - “
1. They
were extremely ambitious, wanting the top positions in the new government.
2. Remember
ambition can be good or bad.
B.
These two, along with Peter, were in the inner circle
with Jesus.
1. Thinking
favoritism was working for them.
2. Because
of this, they were to get top positions.
3. Thought:
Feeling special, pride, as if we were God’s special or favorite child; maybe
the ‘gifted one’ due more favor than others.
4. Acts
10:34
III.
The selfish motive of wealth
A.
Note: Zebedee, the father of James and John was
wealthy.
1. He
owned a large fishing fleet.
2. They
knew wealth carried weight.
3. Mark
4:19
B.
Their motive was power, position, influence, and
authority.
1. They
wanted to be next to Jesus in this authority.
2. Thought:
Man thinks in terms of position and influence.
Even in church, many want that position next to the pastor, the leader,
seeking favor.
3. 1Corinthians
10:24
C.
Seeking social status
1. Even
with that motive, there was their love, faith and loyalty.
2. When
ambition is rooted in God, it is healthy.
Ephesians 6:24
IV.
The great price of ambition, Christ baptism. Vs 38-39
A.
Jesus answered; “Can you go through the terrible
experience I have to suffer? Can you
drink the cup of my terrible agony, or my inward agony or pain? Can you bear the baptism of my terrible
suffering?
1. The
answer was ‘yes’, but that was ignorance answering.
2. Thought:
Jesus challenges each of us, we are to drink His cup and be baptized with His
baptism. We are to get the gospel out
at all cost. We are to fulfill His
mission. We are to say yes, even not
knowing the price to pay.
3. Luke
9:23-24
V.
Jesus states, it is God’s call, not mine. Vs 40
A.
Jesus said yes, some will sit on the right hand and
left, but it is for those for whom it is prepared.
1. God
determines the right to reign, and He alone.
2. John
12:26, Colosians 3:24
VI.
Reaction of others to James and John. Vs 40
A.
Anger was aroused, tempers flared and arguments
started.
1. The
ten were very indignant with James and John.
2. Bitterness
was bred in the hearts of the ten.
3. Discord
was threatened, unity was being shattered
B.
Selfish ambition can cause terrible things among men.
1. Jealously,
hatred, envy, strife, bitterness, anger, = = = =
2. Proverbs
17:19, 25:27
VII.
There is greatness to good ambition. Vs 42-44
A.
There is good and true ambition, as well as bad and
false.
1. The
world’s view of ambition is seeking more and more.
2. The
internal view, recognition, position, influence, wealth, things
3. The
external view, home, wealth, gadgets, position, fame, social standing
B.
The Lord’s view of Ambition is fourfold.
1. It
is not exercising lordship, seeking chief positions, not self centered and
selfish.
2. Greatness
in the eyes of God, not man.
3. One
seeks to minister, looks for a place to minister.
4. One
to be a servant to all, a bond slave.
VIII.
Jesus, the supreme example of ambition. Vs 45
A.
He set His face like a flint to accomplish His purpose.
1. The
supreme humiliation, coming to earth, the Son of Man.
2. The
supreme mission, He came to Minster
3. Only
three years, He came to save men, but they killed Him.
4. But
now He is King of Kings, Lord of Lords
5. The
supreme price: He gave His a ransom for many
6. Ransom;
means setting loose in the Old Testament, for a price
7. New
Testament, exchange, Christ gave His life in exchange, a substitute for many
8. It
is a substitution in behalf of us all
9. Hebrews
9:13-14, 25, 26
Conclusion: Restoration. Let our ambition be centered on serving Jesus. We do not need to let all our attention be
centered on our wants and desires. One
must channel one’s ambitions on the things of God, not self.