Hey, everyone! Have you ever thought about what it means to be great? It’s easy to think greatness comes from popularity, good grades, winning in sports, or how many followers you have on TikTok or Instagram. But here’s a question—does greatness look the same to God?
Today, we’re going to dig into something Jesus taught His disciples about greatness. Spoiler alert—it’s so different from what the world says. Jesus flips the script and shows us that real greatness isn’t about being first, best, or on top. It’s about serving. This lesson is super important because humility and putting others first can seriously change how we live, how we treat people, and how we grow in our relationship with God.
Are you ready to see what greatness really looks like? Let’s go!
📖 Bible Reading #1 – Mark 10:35-40
_”Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. ‘Teacher,’ they said, ‘we want you to do for us whatever we ask.’
‘What do you want me to do for you?’ he asked.
They replied, ‘Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.’
‘You don’t know what you are asking,’ Jesus said. ‘Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?’
‘We can,’ they answered.
Jesus said to them, ‘You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared.'”_
🔍 Explanation
- James and John wanted VIP seats in Jesus’ kingdom. They thought greatness was about being close to power and in the spotlight.
- Jesus warns them—they don’t fully understand what they’re asking. Following Him means walking a tough road of sacrifice, not just rewards.
- The “cup” Jesus talks about represents His suffering for us. To follow Him means to take up a life of humility and sacrifice.
🤔 Discussion Questions
- Why do you think James and John wanted those special positions next to Jesus?
- Have you ever wanted to be in the spotlight or to be the best at something? What did it feel like?
- Why do you think Jesus calls us to follow Him by making sacrifices instead of chasing power or recognition?
📖 Bible Reading #2 – Mark 10:41-45
“When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John. Jesus called them together and said, ‘You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 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.’”
🔍 Explanation
- The other disciples were upset with James and John for trying to grab the top spots. (We’ve all had moments where we wanted to be #1, right?)
- Jesus uses this moment to teach the whole crew that greatness God’s way is about serving, not being served.
- Jesus sets the ultimate example: even though He’s the King of Kings, He came to earth to humbly serve and give His life for us.
- Servanthood isn’t weakness—it’s the most powerful way to live out God’s love.
🤔 Discussion Questions
- How does Jesus’ idea of greatness compare to what we usually hear from the world?
- Why is serving others such an important part of following Jesus?
- Who’s someone in your life you could serve this week, and how?
🎉 Youth Group Game – “Race to Serve”
Objective:
This fun game teaches how serving others often requires teamwork, selflessness, and humility.
How to Play:
- Form two to three teams of 4-6 players.
- Set up an obstacle course or a relay path that involves tasks like carrying water, cleaning up items (toy blocks, cups, etc.), or stacking chairs. Each task should mimic serving others.
- The goal is for the team to complete the tasks as quickly as possible—working together and helping each other.
- The twist? Team members must take turns doing the hardest parts and cheering each other on.
Debrief After the Game
- Did you notice how teamwork and serving one another helped get the job done faster?
- Talk about how acting like a servant isn’t always easy, but it’s so rewarding and makes a huge impact.
Discussion Questions after the game:
- How does putting others first help a team (or a group of friends) succeed?
- What’s an example of putting someone else’s needs ahead of your own in real life?
- How do you think Jesus served others in both big and small ways?
🛠️ Reflect and Apply
- Take a step this week to live out Mark 10:45. Think of one small, specific way you can serve someone at school, home, or church.
- Write it down and pray about it. Ask Jesus to help you serve with joy, not because you have to, but because you want to reflect His love.
🙏 Closing Prayer
“Dear Jesus, thank You for showing us what true greatness looks like. Thank You for coming to serve and for giving Your life for us. Help us to follow Your example and live lives full of humility and love. Show us how to serve others this week, even when it’s hard or inconvenient. Teach us to be more like You every single day. We love You and thank You for loving us first. Amen.”
That’s it for today, but the challenge doesn’t end here. This week, keep looking for ways to serve others like Jesus did. Remember, greatness in God’s eyes isn’t about being on top—it’s about lifting others up. God can use your acts of kindness to make a big difference!