Helpful Reminders in Following Jesus

Are you the type of person that appreciates a reminder? I am. If I don’t write it down or set a reminder, it’s probably not happening. But here’s the thing—reminders only work if you acknowledge them. If you swipe them away without action, you’re setting yourself up for trouble.

That’s true in everyday life, and it’s especially true in following Jesus.

In Mark 10:32-45, as Jesus is on the road to the cross, he gives his disciples reminders—simple, clear, and repeated. Why? Because they don’t get it. And if we’re honest, neither do we. We need reminders too.

Here are three helpful reminders in following Jesus:

1) Remember what Jesus came to do

Jesus makes it plain. He is going to Jerusalem to suffer, be mocked, be flogged, and be killed—and after three days, rise.

This wasn’t accidental. It was necessary.

Why? Because of sin. Your sin and mine demanded it. Jesus came to deal with our greatest problem. He took the punishment we deserved so we could have peace with God.

And he didn’t stay dead. He rose.

That means Jesus wins. Sin doesn’t get the last word. Death doesn’t get the last word. And if Jesus has handled your greatest problem, you can trust him with every lesser problem you face.

We need that reminder often.

2) Request what you want Jesus to do

James and John ask Jesus for a favor—but they don’t really understand what they’re asking. They want glory, not realizing it comes with suffering.

Still, notice how Jesus responds: “What do you want me to do for you?”

That’s a gracious invitation.

Jesus is willing to hear your requests. But we need to be careful. We don’t always know what we’re asking. And we should ask from a position of need, not greed.

There’s a difference between wanting a throne and asking for mercy.

So bring your requests to Jesus. Just come humbly. Come dependent. Come honest about what you really need.

3) Remain a servant like Jesus and watch what you will do.

Jesus flips everything upside down.

The world says greatness is being served. Jesus says greatness is serving.

“If you want to be great, be a servant.”

And then he points to himself: he came not to be served, but to serve—and to give his life as a ransom for many.

If you follow Jesus, that’s your calling too.

Serve your family. Serve your spouse. Serve your church. Serve the next generation. Look for what needs to be done and do it—even if no one asks, even if no one notices.

There is no greater calling than to serve others.

And when you do, you’ll be amazed at what God does through you.

We all need reminders.

Remember what Jesus came to do.
Request what you want him to do.
Remain a servant like him and watch what you will do.

And here’s the goal: serve so many and so much that people identify you this way—a servant like Christ.

You can watch this sermon in its entirety on our YouTube page.