Foundations: New Testament - MarkSample

Many times during His earthly ministry, Jesus predicted His death and the suffering His disciples would endure. He wanted those who followed Him to have a clear picture of the cost. Connecting with the mission of Jesus requires sacrifice. Contrary to the way the disciples viewed it, Jesus defined effective discipleship as humble service to other people and downplayed success as an attainment of position and power (see vv. 42-45). Real effectiveness in ministry comes through serving, not through being served. 

This mindset was countercultural in Jesus’ day, and it remains countercultural in ours. Serving others requires an active attentiveness to people’s needs and genuine compassion for people’s souls. When we struggle to show this kind of humility and compassion to others, it’s important to remember that this is how God loves us. Recognizing the love, compassion, and grace of God in our own lives enables us to love others from an overflow of His love for us.