Leading Through Serving - Mark 10:43-45

S. Mark 10:43-45 “…instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant and whoever wants to be first must be a slave of all. For even the son of man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for the many.”

O. The disciples wanted to know who among them would sit in the places of kingdom leadership next to Jesus. They had become indignant of James and John.

Jesus teaches, what I believe is the theme of Mark’s gospel - that being to truly be a leader, you must be a servant to all. That’s just what Jesus modeled before them - Servant leadership. As writer Ray Steadman so wonderfully named his commentary on the Gospel of Mark, - “The Servant Who Rules and The Ruler Who Serves.”

A. I often like to be first - first in line, first to accomplish something or best parking spot, best seat at a conference. Some of this is due to my competitive nature and some of this is simply about being first. I like to be recognized as a leader. Yet, I will practice what Jesus teaches and that is to let others go ahead of me - to be a leader who serves people.

P. Thank you Father for your word and for the example of Jesus’ servant leadership. Holy Spirit fill me and guide me to lead through serving others. In Jesus’ name!

The Cost of Following Jesus - Mark 8:34

S. Mark 8:34 “Then He called the crowd to him along with His disciples and said, ‘whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.”

O. Jesus spoke (v.31-32) about His coming death and resurrection. Peter rebuked Jesus for this teaching. Jesu goes on to tach that to be a Christ follower is to give up your own interests or goals and be willing to suffer; and while you do - follow Him.

A. I have tried to live this way - denying myself a vocational career in business and education, seeking to serve the Lord primarily by through His calling to His work. It is difficult at times, yet it brings the most blessing.

P. Thank you Father for the privilege of serving you. I have not always served you perfectly. Forgive me when I missed the mark. Holy Spirit fill me and guide me to a life of continued self denial, enduring difficulty and keeping myself on your pathway. In Jesus’ name!

Hard Hearts Will Diminish Faith - Mark 6:49-52

S. Mark 6:49-52

“..but when they (disciples) saw him (Jesus) walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out, because they all saw him and were terrified. Immediately he spoke to them and said, “take courage.’ It is I , don’t be afraid. Then he climbed into the boat with them and the wind died down. They were completely amazed, for they had not understood about the loaves, their hearts were hardened.”

O. The disciples had allowed their all night struggle of rowing the boat (against the wind) to overtake them and disconnect them from the miracle of feeding 5,000 people. There hearts were hardened.

A. I have seen Jesus work in miracles in my life. I do not want to have a hard heart that misses out on the fact that Jesus can and will continue to work miracles in my life.

When Jesus works a miracle in my life, I will thank God for it, I will note it in my mind, write it down, pass it on to others and always remember it. I believe this will keep my heart from hardening and will allow my faith to grow even more.

P. Thank you Father for the miracles that you have worked in my life through the ministries of Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Forgive me when I let circumstances overcome me and grant me faith that is bold to believe and receive all you have for me.