Faith, Service, and Humility: Following Christ's Example
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound narrative of faith, service, and humility as exemplified by Jesus Christ. We began by reflecting on the story of a father who brought his demon-possessed son to Jesus, desperate for healing. Despite his doubts, the father's faith was pivotal, and Jesus healed the boy, demonstrating that faith, even when mingled with doubt, can lead to miraculous outcomes. This story reminds us that in moments of despair, we must turn to God, trusting Him to guide us through our trials.
We then delved into the concept of servanthood, as Jesus taught His disciples. Jesus, the ultimate servant, exemplified humility and service throughout His life, culminating in His sacrifice on the cross. He challenged societal norms by valuing those whom society deemed insignificant, such as children, and taught that true greatness lies in serving others selflessly. This teaching is a call to us to examine our own lives and attitudes, to ensure that we are not seeking status or recognition, but rather, are willing to serve others without expectation of reward.
Furthermore, we discussed the disciples' misunderstanding of Jesus' mission. They envisioned a political kingdom where they would hold positions of power, missing the essence of Jesus' message of a spiritual kingdom. This serves as a cautionary tale for us to align our expectations with God's will, rather than our own desires. Jesus' mission was to serve and save, not to establish an earthly reign, and we are called to follow His example by serving others and spreading the hope found in Him.
Finally, we were reminded of the inclusivity of the Gospel. Christianity breaks down social barriers, uniting people from all walks of life under the banner of Christ. We are all made in the image of God, and none of us is greater than another. Our mission is to reach out to the marginalized, the "least of these," and to serve them with love and compassion, just as Christ served us.
Key Takeaways:
- Faith, even when mixed with doubt, can lead to miraculous outcomes. The father's plea to Jesus, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief," is a powerful reminder that God meets us where we are, and our faith, however small, can move mountains. [40:36]
- True servanthood is about humility and selflessness. Jesus taught that greatness in God's kingdom is not about status or power, but about serving others without expecting anything in return. This challenges us to examine our motives and to serve with a pure heart. [57:33]
- Aligning our expectations with God's will is crucial. The disciples' misunderstanding of Jesus' mission highlights the importance of seeking God's perspective rather than imposing our own desires. We must be open to God's plans, even when they differ from our own. [51:42]
- The Gospel is inclusive and unites people from all backgrounds. Christianity transcends social barriers, calling us to love and serve everyone, regardless of their status or past. We are all equal in God's eyes, and our mission is to share His love with all. [54:17]
- Serving the "least of these" is a core aspect of our faith. Jesus' example of welcoming children and valuing the marginalized challenges us to reach out to those society overlooks. We are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus, serving others with compassion and love. [01:02:53]
Youtube Chapters:
[0:00] - Welcome
[11:44] - Announcements and Updates
[40:36] - The Father's Faith and Doubt
[43:03] - Jesus' Healing and Servanthood
[45:28] - The Temptation of Status
[48:31] - Jesus' Journey to Jerusalem
[50:35] - Misunderstanding Jesus' Mission
[51:42] - Aligning with God's Will
[54:17] - The Inclusive Gospel
[56:25] - The Disciples' Argument
[57:33] - True Servanthood
[58:48] - Humility and Service
[59:57] - Serving Behind Closed Doors
[01:01:37] - Welcoming the Least of These
[01:02:53] - Serving the Marginalized
[01:04:32] - Partnering with Christ in Service
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Mark 9:14-37
- Isaiah 53:3-5
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Observation Questions:
1. In Mark 9:14-29, what was the father's initial reaction when he brought his son to Jesus, and how did his faith evolve throughout the encounter? [40:36]
2. How did Jesus respond to the disciples' inability to heal the boy, and what lesson did He impart to them regarding faith and prayer? [43:03]
3. What were the disciples arguing about on their way to Capernaum, and how did Jesus address their misunderstanding of greatness? [56:25]
4. How does Jesus use the example of a child to teach about welcoming and serving others in Mark 9:36-37? [01:01:37]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does the father's statement, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief," reveal about the nature of faith and doubt in a believer's life? [40:36]
2. How does Jesus' teaching on servanthood challenge societal norms and personal ambitions, according to the sermon? [57:33]
3. In what ways did the disciples' expectations of Jesus' mission differ from His actual purpose, and what can this teach us about aligning our expectations with God's will? [51:42]
4. How does the inclusivity of the Gospel, as discussed in the sermon, break down social barriers and unite people from different backgrounds? [54:17]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced doubt in your faith. How did you seek God's guidance, and what was the outcome? [40:36]
2. Consider your current roles and responsibilities. How can you incorporate the principles of humility and selfless service into your daily life? [57:33]
3. Identify an area in your life where your expectations may not align with God's will. What steps can you take to seek His perspective and adjust your desires accordingly? [51:42]
4. Think of someone in your community who might be marginalized or overlooked. How can you reach out to them with love and compassion this week? [01:02:53]
5. Reflect on your interactions with others. Are there moments when you seek recognition or status? How can you shift your focus to serving others without expecting anything in return? [59:57]
6. How can you actively participate in breaking down social barriers within your church or community, fostering an environment of inclusivity and unity? [54:17]
7. Who is the "least of these" in your life right now, and what practical steps can you take to serve them as Jesus would? [01:04:32]
Devotional
Day 1: Faith Amidst Doubt
In moments of uncertainty, faith can still lead to miraculous outcomes. The story of the father who brought his demon-possessed son to Jesus is a powerful testament to this truth. Despite his doubts, the father's plea, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief," was met with compassion and action by Jesus. This narrative illustrates that faith does not have to be perfect or unwavering to be effective. Even when mixed with doubt, faith can open the door to divine intervention and transformation. It is a reminder that God meets us where we are, and our willingness to trust Him, even in our weakest moments, can lead to profound change. [40:36]
Mark 9:23-24 (ESV): "And Jesus said to him, 'If you can! All things are possible for one who believes.' Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, 'I believe; help my unbelief!'"
Reflection: Think of a situation where you are struggling with doubt. How can you invite God into that space today, trusting Him to work through your uncertainty?
Day 2: The Heart of Servanthood
True greatness in God's kingdom is found in humility and selfless service. Jesus exemplified this through His life and teachings, challenging societal norms by valuing those whom society often overlooked. He taught His disciples that true leadership is not about seeking status or recognition but about serving others without expectation of reward. This call to servanthood invites us to examine our motives and attitudes, ensuring that our actions are driven by love and a desire to uplift others. By following Jesus' example, we can cultivate a heart of service that reflects His love and compassion. [57:33]
Matthew 20:26-28 (ESV): "It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Reflection: Identify one person in your life whom you can serve selflessly this week. What specific action can you take to demonstrate Christ-like humility and love to them?
Day 3: Aligning with God's Will
Understanding and aligning with God's will is crucial for spiritual growth. The disciples' misunderstanding of Jesus' mission serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of imposing our own desires on God's plans. They envisioned a political kingdom, missing the essence of Jesus' message of a spiritual kingdom. This teaches us the importance of seeking God's perspective and being open to His plans, even when they differ from our own. By aligning our expectations with God's will, we can better participate in His work and experience the fullness of His purpose for our lives. [51:42]
Proverbs 19:21 (ESV): "Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand."
Reflection: Reflect on an area of your life where your desires may not align with God's will. How can you seek His guidance and adjust your expectations to align with His purpose?
Day 4: The Inclusive Gospel
The Gospel of Jesus Christ is inclusive, breaking down social barriers and uniting people from all walks of life. Christianity calls us to love and serve everyone, regardless of their status or past, recognizing that we are all made in the image of God. This message of inclusivity challenges us to reach out to the marginalized and to serve them with love and compassion. By embracing the inclusive nature of the Gospel, we can become agents of unity and reconciliation, sharing the hope and love of Christ with all people. [54:17]
Galatians 3:28 (ESV): "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: Consider someone in your community who may feel marginalized or overlooked. How can you extend Christ's love and inclusivity to them in a tangible way this week?
Day 5: Serving the Least of These
Serving the "least of these" is a core aspect of our faith, as demonstrated by Jesus' example of welcoming children and valuing the marginalized. This call to action challenges us to reach out to those whom society often overlooks, offering them love and compassion. By serving the marginalized, we become the hands and feet of Jesus, embodying His love and grace in a broken world. This mission invites us to step outside our comfort zones and to engage with those in need, reflecting the heart of Christ in our actions and attitudes. [01:02:53]
Matthew 25:40 (ESV): "And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.'"
Reflection: Identify a specific way you can serve someone in need this week. How can you be the hands and feet of Jesus to them, showing His love and compassion in a practical way?
Quotes
1) "Inside of this moment, he felt as if nothing would ever be able to. Here was Jesus standing in front of him, and he knew, at least within his mind, that Jesus was that last bit of hope. And just like many of us, the father still had doubts, though, on whether or not Jesus could actually heal his son. You see, we're told in this passage that this young boy had been like this since he was very young. The father explained that since his son was young, he had been like this. And the father had witnessed all types of suffering that the boy had faced throughout his short life. He would be thrown into convulsions, the boy would be thrown into fires and water, and the demon would try everything it could to kill this young boy. You know, I can't even begin to comprehend the pain and the suffering that not only the child would have gone through, but the pain and the suffering." [40:36] (67 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "We have to be willing to seek his face. And when the disciples asked Jesus why they were not able to cast out the demon themselves, Jesus came back to them and said that that kind can. I think it's important for us to understand that when we have, in those moments of doubt, when we have those things that we're facing and we don't see a way over it, we are called to take it to our heavenly Father and present it to him to allow him to rule in our lives, allow him to guide us in the midst of whatever we face, that we don't rely on our own understandings, but that we allow Jesus to reign." [43:03] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3) "Being a servant isn't something that comes easily, often within the culture we live in, does it? It especially doesn't become easy for those of us who've been trained to take up leadership, to be a leader. It's not something that comes easy for those of us who dream of being served. It's that old mindset of don't you know who I am? It's a mindset that goes all the. Where the serpent came to Eve and tempted her with the fruit, telling her that if she eats of the fruit, her eyes will be opened and she. Where people are hoping to catch their 15 minutes of fame right get that 15 minutes of fame, and they're willing to do about anything to get that validation from the world around them, anything to get people to look up to them, hoping that they can cash in and be admired." [45:28] (70 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4) "It's not about us. It's about sharing the good news of Jesus and that there's hope for all of us. That it doesn't matter who you are, it doesn't matter where you've been through or the sin in your life, that there's hope that can be found in Christ alone, that it's not just for the older people, it's not just for the younger people. It's not for the rich or for the poor, it's for each and every one of us. When the first church was formed, one of the most amazing things that they couldn't wrap their heads around is all these other religions always had, like, social statuses and everything else going on." [54:17] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5) "We get into that and we start arguing over, well, I'm a good person. I never did any of that. We may not use those exact words, but we have the same argument that the disciples do, so often forgetting that Jesus said that none of us are righteous, none of us are holy, none of us are good enough on our own. That's why we have Jesus be the suffering servant and go to the cross. That's why we need Christ inside of our lives is because it's through him that we are made righteous. It's through him that we are made holy. It's not on our own works. It's only through Christ. So when Jesus hears what the disciples are arguing over, he gathers the twelve up and calls them over, and he tells what he does in verse 35 is kind of like parents corralling the kids, saying, we're going to have a talk." [57:33] (56 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6) "You know, it goes back to that old adage, it's not what you know. Right? We've heard that probably many times in our life. But the reality is, unless the person you know is Jesus, none of it matters if you don't know him. You see, Jesus is more about that humble man or woman willing to fall on their knees before God and repent and ask for forgiveness. Jesus is more about that person who is willing to be the hands and feet of Jesus. That is, the one that will serve him quietly even when others aren't looking. That's what Jesus is concerned on. That's what he is looking at. He's more concerned about that than the outspoken person who is just doing things to make themselves look good. When other people are around. You want to know who you truly are in Christ. Who are you behind closed doors? Who are you when others aren't looking? Are you still the hands and feet of Jesus." [58:48] (62 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7) "A true servant means having the attitude in your life that freely helps other in need without expecting or demanding anything in return. Let me say that again. A true servant means having the attitude in our life that freely helps others in need without expecting or demanding anything in return. It's not about having honor and attention brought onto us. It's about freely giving to others and helping them wherever their need may be, wherever their struggle may be, just as Christ did for us. And to make the point even clearer, he tells us in verses 36 and 37, he took a child and had him stand among them. And taking him in his arms, he said to them, whoever welcomes one little child such as this in my name welcomes me. And whoever welcomes me does not welcome me, but the one who sent me." [01:01:37] (59 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8) "We need to remember something very important about being the hands and feet of Jesus. We need to remember that each and every one of us, inside and outside of these walls, are made in the image of God. That in the beginning he formed us, that he knew us before we were in our mother's womb. That Jesus didn't come to die on the cross for just you and I, but for each and every man, woman and child in this entire earth. That's who we came for. For anybody that was willing to call out on the name of Jesus. None of us are greater than anyone else. And we are all people in need of a savior. And for those of us who've come to know Christ as our savior, we are called to be the servants of the most high. We get to partner with Jesus and reach out to the least of these in their communities and serve with a joyful heart, with no expectation. Remembering our reward is not found here on earth, but it is found in heaven that we're not building up a kingdom here." [01:04:32] (59 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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