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Mark 9:30-37
“Selective hearing”! Comment on a phone conversation, miss “take out rubbish please”…
Don’t hear what don’t want to hear as with disciples v32 – may be sub-conscious.
V 31 “The Son of Man will be killed and rise to life”. Simple! What part of “no” don’t you understand?
2nd time of teaching (8:31ff) Jesus on a roll. Disciples saw miracles – power over storm, food, death, sickness – “The Kingdom is coming!” Great! (cf last week’s sermon)
But “afraid to ask him what he meant” not because unapproachable but deep down did not want to hear answer.
Heb. 2:14-15 “fear of death brings lifelong bondage”. Not just physical death, fear of loss of face, loss of security, loss of goods, loss of loved ones.
Disciples showed at Gethsemane had not faced the way of cross. Last week “deny self and take up cross and follow” – face the worst that can happen and see Jesus as greater.
Disciples then arguing about who was greatest. How blind can I be? Lonely for Jesus. Did not dare answer him – ashamed of silliness.
Jesus not one word of reproach (only for unbelief not silliness).
Used it for teaching – you and me too.
Greatest – to put myself last of all and be servant to all V35
NOT Mr or Mrs Martyr – “look at all I am doing for you” (and therefore you need to be grateful and do for me what I want”.)
This is service from heart of love that forgets self in eagerness to serve.
ONLY JESUS CAN DO IT! That’s why we need him and his Spirit.
Me and Chris – not sacrifice – the will of God and loved it.
“I delight to do your will…” (Not me mostly!!!)
Children playing nearby, ignored. (More so in that society – men/women separate).
Jesus called the Twelve – men – important stuff!! Sat down to teach as Rabbi.
Took child in arms (spoke to him first?? – probably)
“whoever welcomes in my name one of these children welcomes me and whoever welcomes me welcomes not only me but the One who sent me”.(v37) Wow!! The Son of God and his Father in the least important person around.
[cf CEC/Bible in Schools envelopes in pews]
Surely Jesus cleaned dirty bottoms of brothers and sisters. Mother Theresa may have been high-handed and stubborn but caught this attitude of love.
Who is the least important person in this building?? Probably me but in my pride I look round to see who it is! One or two will think “Me!” without hesitation. To them God says you are the most valuable person here. I have come to serve YOU!
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