servanthood – Be Still…

Mark 10:32-52 – Servanthood

If this isn’t your first time reading this passage, imagine that it is. You’re just getting to know Jesus, and again he shares about his brutal death and resurrection. What would you think if one of your teachers or close friends started talking like this? Remember that Jesus endured this for you and me.

Jesus is so much more than just a friend; he is God. The explicit details must have shocked the disciples. Why couldn’t God stop such a horrible thing from happening? There must have been heaviness surrounding them on this trek to Jerusalem–so many questions. Continue reading “Mark 10:32-52 – Servanthood”

Mark 9:30-50 – Jesus Teaches

Read Mark 9:30-50

Once again, there is quite a lot going on in our reading. Sometimes you’ll encounter passages that speak to you in a certain way that’s different from the next person. That’s what is so fantastic about God’s word. It meets us exactly where we are. What struck you in today’s readings?

This is the second time in Mark’s gospel where Jesus tells his disciples about his death. Each time he brings it up, he shares a little more information. However, the disciples are still left confused. Why do you think they were afraid to ask Jesus to explain? Continue reading “Mark 9:30-50 – Jesus Teaches”

1 Timothy 3:8-15 – How’s Your Servant Heart?

Read 1 Timothy 3:8-15

3 blue people figures with words SERVE Each Other and a diagram picture of words like love, serve, attend, hold, care for

If you thought that the “rules” for church leaders were strict, now we address the do’s and don’ts for deacons. Did you find it interesting that the expectation for deacons extends to their wives (spouses) as well?

You may be asking, “what is a deacon?” If your church didn’t recognize a hierarchy of church leaders or give titles to the helpers, that word may not be familiar. In Paul’s day, a deacon would be a servant, anyone who serves the body of Christ. I think of this passage from Matthew 20:26, “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.” I’m not sure I seek to be “great,” but I do seek to please God in all I say and do.

1 Timothy 1:12-17 – Whom God Uses

Read 1 Timothy 1:12-17

colorful people figures walking forward following each other

Think for a moment about Paul’s life before his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. What a dramatic difference from what Paul’s life looks like as an apostle of Jesus! If we look at Bible heroes in general, we see how unprepared they were on their own.

God always equips those he calls. There is no greater honor than to be used by God for his purposes. Can you think of some examples in the Bible? The pages of Scripture are full of times we see God using imperfect people for the sake of his mission.

John 13:1-17 – Servant Leadership

Read John 13:1-17

Imagine you’re with Jesus to share a meal, and, all of a sudden, he wants to wash your feet! I think I would have been a little bit like Peter, aghast at what the Messiah was doing. In those days, a lowly servant was the one who would cleanse the master’s feet. After all, in those days, dusty roads and sandals would leave dirty, smelly feet.

But Jesus’ response surprised me. Did it surprise you when he said, “Unless I wash you, you won’t belong to me.” What does that even mean? Clearly, the lesson Jesus intended from this experience went beyond having clean feet or doing something nice for others. To not belong to Jesus would be a frightening reality.