June 8, 2010
Central Truth
If one has a desire to be noble in the eyes of man, it is more important that he serves him rather than trying to impress him.
"But it is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant." (Mark 10:43)
32 And they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them. And they were amazed, and those who followed were afraid. And taking the twelve again, he began to tell them what was to happen to him, 33 saying, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death and deliver him over to the Gentiles. 34 And they will mock him and spit on him, and flog him and kill him. And after three days he will rise.”
35 And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came up to him and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” 36 And he said to them, “What do you want me to do for you?” 37 And they said to him, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” 38 Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” 39 And they said to him, “We are able.” And Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you will drink, and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized, 40 but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.” 41 And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant at James and John. 42 And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 43 But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 1 10:43 Greek diakonos 44 and whoever would be first among you must be slave 2 10:44 Or bondservant, or servant (for the contextual rendering of the Greek word doulos, see Preface) of all. 45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Have you ever felt like there was something missing, like your relationship with God is 90% there, but still needs that little kick? In recent months I have had just that feeling and couldn't put my finger on what it was. I talked with my small group about it and read God's Word more often. I made huge strides in giving my life over to God, but I still never felt whole.
In Matthew 4:19 Jesus talks about becoming fishers of men. Thinking about that verse helped me realize that what was missing for me was sharing the gospel. Talking to people about God helped me feel whole and, at the same time, drew others closer to Him. However, there's something else mentioned in Mark 10:43. God not only wants you to tell people about Him, but also to show them how much He loves them by serving them. He was telling me this not so I could have a better relationship with people, but so I could have an awesome relationship with Him.
This was a WOW moment in my life! I have not had many of those moments, so it was a big deal to realize that I always felt happiest and closest with Him when I would help a stranger change a tire in a parking lot, or pass out presents to kids at Christmas, or even help someone move. Serving always seemed to put my attitude in the right place.
I still listen to fear far more often than I would like to admit because I serve far less than I am able or even want to. As I grow in God's Word and strive to be more like Him (1 Peter 1:15-16), however, I find that my fear lessens, and my desire to do what He commands becomes the thing that gets me up and out the door.
1. Do you serve those around you in order that they might feel God's love?
2. Have you seen any change in your attitude since you have started to serve others instead of yourself?
3. Do you let fear of the world stop you from serving (i.e. speaking in front of people, scary places, CLOWNS)?
FAMILY DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Do you know what a ransom is?
2. In verse 45 who did Jesus say His life was a ransom for?
3. Why did Jesus have to give His life for you?
4. As thanks to Him for His payment for your life, pray that God would show you someone who needs to be served this week and then serve that person.