In Mark 10:32–45, Jesus challenges James and John's pursuit of greatness and reveals His upside-down kingdom. Dan Stribling explores discipleship, servant leadership, Luke 22:42, Philippians 2:3–4, and 1 Peter 1:18–19.

**What if everything the world teaches us about greatness is backward?**

James and John wanted positions of honor in Jesus' kingdom. But while they were focused on greatness and recognition, Jesus was preparing to suffer, die, and rise again.

In this message from **Biblically Literate**, First Christian Church Senior Minister Dan Stribling explores Jesus' upside-down kingdom and what it really means to follow Christ.

Through Mark 10:32–45, we discover why Christian discipleship requires something many of us struggle to accept: a willingness to be corrected.

From a simple guitar lesson that changed Dan's approach to music to the disciples' misunderstanding of Jesus' mission, this sermon challenges the assumptions we make about success, power, suffering, and faithful obedience.

You'll discover:

- Why following Jesus doesn't guarantee an easy life.

- How James and John misunderstood greatness in God's kingdom.

- Why Jesus calls His disciples to serve rather than seek status.

- How our influence can be used for the good of others.

- Why Jesus' sacrifice is the ultimate example of servant leadership.

The heart of this message is **Mark 10:45**, where Jesus explains that He came not to be served but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many.

**Are you following Jesus on His terms, or are you expecting Him to follow yours?**

**CHAPTERS**

00:00 – Why Is Jesus' Kingdom Upside Down?

00:59 – A Guitar Lesson That Changed Everything

04:35 – Following Jesus Requires Correction

06:31 – James and John: The Sons of Thunder

07:34 – Jesus Predicts His Suffering (Mark 10:32–34)

10:06 – James and John Ask for Glory

12:36 – The Cup, Suffering, and the Cost of Following

18:49 – What Has Jesus Never Promised Us?

22:19 – Jesus Redefines Greatness (Mark 10:41–44)

26:18 – Humility and Influence (Philippians 2)

27:34 – General Marshall: Choosing Service Over Status

30:20 – When Someone Else Gets the Opportunity

33:43 – Jesus Gave His Life as a Ransom (Mark 10:45)

35:43 – Bought With the Blood of Christ (1 Peter 1)

36:55 – Where Must God Reshape Our Priorities?

**SCRIPTURE REFERENCES**

- Mark 10:32–45 — Jesus teaches about greatness, suffering, and service.

- Luke 22:42 — Jesus submits to the Father's will.

- Philippians 2:3–4 — Humility and putting others first.

- 1 Peter 1:18–19 — Redemption through the precious blood of Christ.

**ABOUT BIBLICALLY LITERATE**

Biblically Literate is a Christian Bible-teaching podcast from First Christian Church in Brazil, Indiana. We explore Scripture, biblical truth, Christian discipleship, and what it means to follow Jesus faithfully in everyday life.

Speaker: Dan Stribling, Senior Minister

Church: First Christian Church of Brazil, Indiana

Subscribe to Biblically Literate for more biblical teaching, practical Christian living, and deeper conversations about God's Word.

**JOIN THE CONVERSATION**

What is one expectation about following Jesus that God has challenged or corrected in your life?

Share your thoughts in the comments!

#UpsideDownKingdom #Mark10 #ChristianDiscipleship