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Esther 7v1-6,9-10, 9v20-22

James 5v13-20

Mark 9v38-50

A Church that is broad and deep!

Theologically broad

Spiritually and devotionally deep.

The Church is to be like the river that flows from the throne and gets broader and deeper in time.

Broad in our acceptance and love of others.

Because Jesus loves us and gave his life for us, so then we are called to recognise that Jesus equally loves and died for other people as well, who may not be like us.

v36-37. Fledgling faith.   The child illustration.

Not everyone has a well developed faith, so be gentle and accept and nurture the faith of others, rather than criticise or crush it.

v38-39. Different expression of faith.  The unknown believer.

The disciples selfishly wanted to restrict the ministry of man who was not like them, but Jesus graciously recognised God’s hand in his ministry and accepts him.

Perhaps the disciples had become too culturally identified with the attitude of the Pharisees, or perhaps their selfish ego was jealous of the ministry of others.

Either way their attitude was selfish rather than Godly.

Jesus is broad in his acceptance of others, even the Samaritans etc. But he condemns the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, who should know better.

Deep in our own personal commitment and walk with Jesus.

We are responsible for our own personal walk with the Lord

v35.  The first must be last and the servant of all.

            A call to humility and servanthood.  This is in keeping with the servant song of Isaiah 52v13-53v12. and Jesus’s adoption of the term ‘Son of Man’.

To be Christ like in our lives means being less self orientated and being willing to think of others first. Love your neighbour Jesus told the man, who is my neighbour came the excuse. Look around you!

v42 and 50.  Model the life of Christ in your own life, so that you will be a good witness of Him to others. In this way others will be attracted to find Christ through you, rather than repelled by what, even the non-believer, sees as bad behaviour.

            A call to personal morality based on a personal obedience to Jesus Christ.  This has to be my responsibility, no one else’s! 

If I am devoted to my Lord and Saviour, then I willingly bring every aspect of my life under his rule over me.

It is a pleasure to be His servant and we benefit from His peace within us.

So be salty in Jesus and be at peace with your self and with each other!