THE CALL TO SERVE
Opening Prayer
God, give me understanding of what I read. Holy Spirit, make clear to me anything I don’t understand.
Read Mark 9:30–41
Jesus Predicts His Death a Second Time
30 They left that place and passed through Galilee. Jesus did not want anyone to know where they were, 31 because he was teaching his disciples. He said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise.” 32 But they did not understand what he meant and were afraid to ask him about it.
33 They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the road?” 34 But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest.
35 Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.”
36 He took a little child whom he placed among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, 37 “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.”
Whoever Is Not Against Us Is for Us
38 “Teacher,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us.”
39 “Do not stop him,” Jesus said. “For no one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, 40 for whoever is not against us is for us. 41 Truly I tell you, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to the Messiah will certainly not lose their reward.
New International Version (NIV)
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Reflect
When was the last time you intentionally served someone else?Here is a key lesson in the training of the 12 – the need to develop a servant heart. It is, in my opinion, perhaps the most crucial aspect of our character formation as disciples of Jesus.
The second reminder from Jesus that He will soon go to the cross, but rise again, once again falls on deaf ears (30–32). Jesus will serve us all by laying down His life for us. He is a servant par excellence and has given us an example to follow.
In the light of this, any squabbles about who is the greatest seem out of place (33–37). True greatness is seen in the way we serve others, even little children. In welcoming them we are welcoming Jesus Himself. What does that say about children’s ministry?
Likewise, we should not worry about others serving God even if they are not “one of us” (38–41). They may not share all our views, but they can still do good. What matters is that the thirsty find refreshment and the needy are helped.
Seek to develop a servant-heart. How different our churches would be if we had more servants and fewer spectators.
Apply
What part does service play in your discipleship? How can you use your gifts, resources and time to bless others? Ask God for the grace to serve joyfully, even in the tasks that seem beneath you.
Closing prayer
Jesus, help me to follow in Your steps, give me a heart like Yours and teach me how to serve even as You serve.
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