Jesus reshapes our definition of greatness and frees us from comparison, pressure and performance. 

At Cross Point Church, we’re continuing our year-long journey through the Gospel of Mark. In our latest sub-series, Greatness, we’re walking through Mark 9–10 and discovering how Jesus redefines what a meaningful, purpose-filled life looks like.

In a world obsessed with climbing ladders, building platforms and proving our worth, Jesus turns everything upside down. In these passages, He invites us to lay down the pressure to perform and receive a version of greatness that comes through humility, surrender and trust.

This stretch of Mark raises questions many of us wrestle with every day:

• Why do I feel like I’m falling behind?
• How do I take sin seriously without living in fear?
• What does God really say about marriage, divorce and singleness?
• How do I find joy and purpose again?
• What’s holding me back spiritually?
• How do I stay centered on the Gospel when life gets busy?

Through each teaching, we’re reminded that Jesus isn’t calling us to chase greatness. He’s calling us to receive it. He meets us where we are and leads us into a life marked by freedom, purpose and joy.

Below is a summary of each week’s message, including key Scriptures and takeaways to help guide your personal discipleship.

October 26 – “What’s a Simple Step to Help Us Find Greatness?”

Scripture: Mark 9:30–37
Speaker: Daran Hodges
Pain Point Answered: How can I find peace when I feel stuck in comparison or burnout?

We opened the Greatness series with a message on the upside-down way of Jesus. While culture tells us greatness comes from climbing higher, Jesus shows us that true greatness begins with humility. If you feel like you’re behind or you’re tired from trying to prove yourself, Jesus invites you to rest in the worth He already secured for you.

Key Takeaways:
Greatness in God’s Kingdom is rooted in humility.
You don’t have to earn your worth; Jesus already settled it.
Choosing a posture of service frees us from comparison.

November 2 – “What Did Jesus Have to Say About Hell?”

Scripture: Mark 9:42–50
Speaker: Kevin Queen
Pain Point Answered: How do I live with hope when I feel lost or too far gone?

Jesus didn’t avoid hard truths. He spoke to them with love because He wanted people to live with freedom and clarity. In this message, Pastor Kevin walks us through one of Jesus’ most challenging teachings and helps us understand what it means to take sin seriously while trusting that Jesus is our hope.

Key Takeaways:

• Jesus’ warnings are rooted in love, not fear.
• Eternity is shaped by the choices we make today.
• Hope is found in trusting Jesus fully.

November 9 – “What Does the Bible Say About Marriage, Divorce and Singleness?”

Scripture: Mark 10:1–12
Speaker: Kevin Queen
Pain Point Answered: What does God have to say about the real and complicated parts of my relationships?

Whether you’re married, divorced or single, God sees you and loves you. In this passage, Jesus speaks honestly about relationships, identity and calling. Pastor Kevin reminds us that while relationships can be beautiful and complicated, God meets us with grace in every season.

Key Takeaways:

• God can redeem every part of our story.
• Marriage and singleness both carry dignity and purpose.
• Your relationship status doesn’t determine your worth.

November 16 – “How Are We Using God’s Blessings to Bless Others?”

Scripture: Mark 10:13–16
Speaker: Kevin Queen
Pain Point Answered: How do I find joy and meaning again when life feels routine?

This message centers on the truth that the Kingdom of God isn’t something we achieve. It’s something we receive. Pastor Kevin teaches that some of the greatest joy we’ll ever experience comes from using what God has given us to bless others.

Key Takeaways:

• Joy grows when we live with open hands.
• Serving others reshapes our priorities.
• The Kingdom belongs to those who receive with childlike faith.

November 23 – “The One Thing That Holds Us Back”

Scripture: Mark 10:17–31
Speaker: Kevin Queen
Pain Point Answered: Why does following Jesus sometimes feel harder than it should?

In this passage, the rich young ruler has everything he needs but still feels empty. Pastor Kevin shows us that sometimes we hold on to one thing we’re afraid to release. Jesus invites us to surrender what’s keeping us stuck so we can experience the life God designed for us.

Key Takeaways:

• Surrender leads to freedom.
• Jesus wants more for you than He wants from you.
• Letting go makes room for what God wants to give.

November 30 – “How Are We Remembering the Gospel?”

Scripture: Mark 10:32–45
Speaker: James Savage
Pain Point Answered: How do I stay rooted in Jesus when life feels distracting or overwhelming?

Even the disciples lost focus at times. In this message, Pastor James shows us that Jesus meets forgetful people with grace. When we remember the Gospel, we rediscover our purpose, our priorities and the joy of following Jesus.

Key Takeaways:

• We all drift, but Jesus always invites us back.
• Remembering the Gospel reshapes our daily life.
• True greatness is found in serving like Jesus.

What’s Next?

Through Greatness, we’ve learned that Jesus redefines success, restores our identity and invites us into a life marked by humility, purpose and joy. He shows us that true greatness isn’t something we chase. It’s something we receive when we follow Him.

As we continue our journey through the Gospel of Mark, we’ll keep discovering how Jesus transforms not just the way we live, but the way we see everything.

Ready to keep going? Start or catch up today:

• Read Mark 9–10
• Watch or rewatch the sermons at crosspoint.tv/mark
• Download the Gospel of Mark resource guide for reading plans, podcasts and tools for deeper study