#379: Who Wants to Be First? — A Lesson from Jesus

Mark 10:35–45

In today’s episode, we hear the surprising story of James and John asking Jesus a very big question — and how the other disciples reacted! 

Jesus teaches them (and us!) something amazing — true greatness doesn’t come from bossing people around or being first. It comes from serving others, just like Jesus did. He is the King of kings, but He came to help, love, and give His life for us.

At the end, we talk about simple ways kids can follow Jesus’ example this week - to keep their eyes open for ways to be a helper. Helpers serve and whether it’s big or small, it makes a  difference. 

They are reminded that when you help someone, you are serving — just like Jesus did. He is our perfect example.
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Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:01):
Hello again, and welcome back to kids' Bible stories. Today's
story is called who Wants to Be First? This comes
from Mark, chapter ten, verses thirty five through forty five.
Let's jump right into today's story. One sunny day, Jesus

(00:28):
and his twelve disciples were walking along the dusty road.
They had seen so many amazing things already. Jesus gave
blind people sight, they'd seen Jesus welcome water, he'd healed
sick people. They had seen incredible miracles. But today two

(00:55):
of them had a question for Jesus and John, who
were brothers and sons of a man named Zebedee, jogged ahead,
trying to get closer to Jesus, while the others walked
just a few steps behind. Maybe James and John whispered

(01:16):
at first, trying not to let the others hear. But
it didn't stay quiet for long, Teacher. They said boldly,
we want you to do for us whatever we ask.

(01:38):
Jesus turned and looked at them kindly.

Speaker 2 (01:43):
He replied, okay, and what is it you want me
to do for you?

Speaker 1 (01:51):
The other disciples leaned in trying to hear. James and
John answered.

Speaker 2 (02:00):
Oh, well, let one of us sit at your right hand,
and the other sit at your left hand in glory.

Speaker 1 (02:10):
I imagine Peter's eyes grew wide as maybe he whispered
to Andrew. Did they just ask to sit right next
to Jesus in his kingdom? Unlike the best seats ever?
Andrew shook his head. Unbelievable. Do they thank the most

(02:33):
special and the rest of us. Jesus looked at James
and John, and with love but seriousness in his voice,
answered them, Now, you.

Speaker 2 (02:48):
Don't really know what you're asking. Can you drink the
cup that I drink? Or can you be baptized with
the baptism that I am baptis tized with?

Speaker 1 (03:02):
The brothers nodded quickly, yeah, we can, they said. Maybe
they didn't fully understand what Jesus meant, but they still
said yes. Jesus said to them.

Speaker 2 (03:20):
Well, you will drink the cup I drink and be
baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with. But
sitting at my right on my left is not for
me to give. Those places belong to those for whom
they have been prepared.

Speaker 1 (03:41):
When the other ten disciples heard what James and John
had asked, they were greatly displeased. How could James and
John try to get ahead of them, try to ask
for the highest places of honor? I imagine them arguing after

(04:02):
hearing this conversation, James, John, why would you ask that
we are all his followers together? Peter huffed Andrew crossed
his arms and muttered, what next, one shiny crowns? Are

(04:25):
you gonna make us bring snaxt you too? Jesus saw
all the disciples grumbling, and he knew they needed to
hear the truth again, so like a loving father, he
called them all together and sat them down under the
shady tree.

Speaker 2 (04:46):
Jesus said, you know that the rulers of the gentiles
lorded over them. Their high officials boss people around and
make themselves feel important. But that's not how it will
be with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among
you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be

(05:09):
the first must be the slave. Of all.

Speaker 1 (05:14):
The disciples sat very still thinking about what he said.

Speaker 2 (05:21):
Jesus continued, 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.

Speaker 1 (05:35):
Imagine that Jesus, the king of kings, the Lord of lords,
the one who made the oceans and the stars. He
did not come to sit on a fancy throne and
make everyone wait on him. No, he came to serve others.

(06:02):
He washed his friend's dusty feet, he cared for people
who were sick, He taught and healed, and then he
gave his very life for you and for me. Well,

(06:24):
that is it for our story today. But before we go,
let's think about what we just heard. Help me finish
this sentence. Jesus said he did not come to be served,
but to serve, that's right, and to give his what

(06:50):
a life, yes, as a ransom for many. That verse
is like a tiny treasure chest packed with the greatest truth.
It's the heart of the whole gospel story, the good
news that God sent his only son, Jesus to live
a perfect life and die on the cross for our sins.

(07:14):
But he didn't stay dead. He rowse because of what
Jesus did. When we believe in him and ask him
to forgive us, God does. God forgives us and makes
us part of his family forever. Now I have a

(07:36):
question for you. Have you seen someone on a show
or in real life who has power maybe they are
a big leader who likes to boss people to serve them,
and they don't really help the people they lead. Think
of someone like Scar from the Lion King. When Scar

(07:57):
rules the land, it becomes dry and sad because he
only cares about himself, not the other animals. Or have
you seen Cinderella? Yes, remember the cruel stepmother. She's the
leader of the family and she demands that Cinderella serve

(08:20):
all of them day and night, and she treated her horribly.
But Jesus he showed us the opposite. He has all
the power in the world, and instead of being served,
he chose to shout it out. He chose to.

Speaker 2 (08:45):
Serve.

Speaker 1 (08:46):
That's right. People today get it backwards and sometimes think
that if you're powerful, you should make others serve you.
So what can we do about this? Well, Jesus is
our example. He showed us how to serve. He wants

(09:10):
us to serve. Two. You don't need to be a
grown up or have a big job to do this.
You can serve today right where you are. Like maybe
when your baby brother is crying, you can help mom
get the bottle or pacifier and bring it to them.

(09:31):
Or after dinner you could help put the dishes away
instead of running off to play right away. Or you
could clean up your toys without being asked. That's serving too.
Do you think you could do something like that? Yes?
This week, whether you're at home or playing at the park,

(09:56):
keep your eyes open for ways to be a helper,
helpers serve and whether it's big or small, it makes
a difference. When you help someone, you are serving, just
like Jesus did, and he is our perfect example. Well

(10:21):
that is it for our story today. Thank you so
much for joining us. You can click subscribe so you
never miss an episode. If you've enjoyed Kids Bible Stories podcast,
share it with a friend. Thanks again for listening, and
as always, bye for now.