Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

Father’s Day 2004

Today is a special day for me – the fifth anniversary of my massive stroke. It was five years ago today that I stood in the pulpit and preached my last sermon to this beloved flock. I thought it would be appropriate to print a mini-version in today’s pen pulpit. This is the sermon I preached on Father’s Day, 1999.

“The Truly Great Man”

Mark 10:35-45

What is greatness? How do we recognize greatness? Who do we set up as great people in our estimation?

A person who is eminent, important? One who has notability? One who has superiority or is famous? Usually we tag someone as great who has prominence, lineage, who has achieved much or has ability to make significant contributions in philanthropy, sports, medicine, military prowess, the literary field, etc.

These men are all great because society has a way of measuring men by standards we have created or endorsed.

But when we come to Scripture we discover that there is a standard for greatness by which men are measured that the world does not recognize. In fact they repudiate it. That standard is seen in, reflected by, and lived out in Jesus Christ. In Mark 10:35-45 He gives to His disciples His perspective of greatness.

1. He established the principle of true greatness based in God’s standard [vs.42-44]

In vs. 32-34 He reveals that this trip to Jerusalem will fulfill Old Testament prophecy.

In verses 35-37 His apostles see something different awaiting them - they are looking at the pathway to glory. They ask three things of Him in v. 37: to grant preeminence, proximity, and power.

In verses 38-40 Jesus responds. He does not rebuke them for what they ask - but in the manner by which they are going about it. They have no idea what is involved - of the price that must be paid. He is on the same path they are on - but He will pay the price!

Then in verses 42-44 He outlines for them a two-fold mindset that is essential to obtaining true greatness:

• The truly great man must avoid following the standards for greatness set by the world (vs. 42,43 cf. vs. 35-37).

This is the spirit of the age. The spirit of intense rivalry. There is not to be striving and struggling for position and honor - jockeying for position, the world of aggressive competition, the insatiable desire to have authority over others. To constantly strive to be first among equals, campaigning for promotion (cf. mud-slinging of political campaigns) - cf. 3 John 9,10.

Compare the difference between legitimately, honorably contending in the Christian race that the Bible endorses - 2 Timothy ch 2; 1 Cor. 9:27; Hebrews 12:1,2 with the narrow minded, selfish, clawing ones way over others to reach the top at any cost. The hunger and thrill for authority over others - cf. 3 John 9,10. The greatest erosion to true greatness is the harsh competitive spirit of the age.

• The truly great man must learn to acquire the heart of a servant - (vs. 43, 44).

There is nothing wrong in desiring greatness as long as you understand the meaning of the term in God’s dictionary and the path that must be followed to acquire it. To become great is to be willing to be nothing

“A true servant is one who does the will of another to the best of his ability without calling attention to himself - also in his serving, he seeks the greatest benefit for others.”

The Christian is a paradox [A.W. Tozer]

• We save our life by losing it - we are in danger of losing it by trying to save it (Matthew 16:2).

• We are the strongest when we are the weakest - and we are the weakest when we are the strongest. Our strength lies in our weakness - our weakness lies in our strength (cf. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10).

• The first shall be last and the last shall be first (Matthew 20:16).

2. He sets the supreme example of true greatness [v.45] Only twice is He said to be an example: John 13:15 (serving); 1 Peter 2:2 (suffering). His entire life was a life of servanthood (vs. 45a).

Compare servant prophecy Isaiah 42:1-4 with Matt. 12:18-21 (Note characteristics of His servanthood in Isaiah 42:1-4)

• Toward God - v.1 - Submission. John’s baptism - Spirit of God descended upon Him.

• Toward self - v.2 - Selflessness. Would not seek notoriety nor prominence.

• Toward others - vs. 3,4 - Sensitivity. Would deal gently with others.

He performed His greatest act of service in His cross work - vs. 45b. In analyzing the heavenly logic of the cross, we see that He descended to the greatest depths and dimensions of humiliation, suffering, love, obedience, sensitivity. (Compare Phil 2:5-8. Please study this passage carefully.)

Questions to ask yourself............

1. What kind of man am I?

• A self-made man - We’ve all heard of men climbing out of obscurity by sheer determination - climbing their way to the top.

• A Christ-made man - Takes the place of insignificant servant - lets God exalt him.

2. Am I fulfilling my role as God intended?

• As a leader among men (if you are called to this level) cf. 1 Peter 5:1-4.

• As the leader in your family (if this is applicable) cf. Eph. 5:25-28.

Today I am rejoicing in God’s goodness as I realize all He has done for you and for me because of the stroke – things that never would have been accomplished without the journey we have walked together these last five years. How I appreciate each one of you. God bless and have a wonderful Father’s Day.

Love to you all,