Servants

Most of us would enjoy having our moment of greatness when we are recognized for our accomplishments. Jesus’ disciples felt the same way. However, when several of them asked to be recognized for their service, Jesus gave them an unexpected answer. In this week’s sermon, we will discover what it takes to be great in God’s eyes.

Scripture: Mark 10:35-45
Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do for us whatever we ask.”

“What do you want me to do for you?” he asked.

“They replied, “let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.”

“You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said. “Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?”

“We can,” they answered.

Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared.”

When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John. Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Renewing Reflections
It is our prayer Renewing Reflections will be a blessing in your life this coming week. This quote is taken from the sermon “Rahab - Make Yourself Available“ delivered on Christian Crusaders February 11, 2001.

Long ago in Jericho, God entered the life of Rahab who was going nowhere. Although she was a prostitute, God changed her heart and made her His servant. Hundreds of years later, He entered the life of a very ordinary person with only average talent and used him to tell the story of Christ and the way of salvation to thousands of people. If we make ourselves available, God will use us and life will be so exciting we will not like to leave it, even to go to heaven.

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On the Light Side
Nine-year-old Joey was asked by his mother what he had learned in Sunday School.

“Well, Mom, our teacher told us how God sent Moses behind enemy lines on a rescue mission to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. When he got to the Red Sea, he had his engineers build a pontoon bridge, and all the people walked across safely. He then used his walkie-talkie to radio headquarters and call in an air strike. They sent in bombers to blow up the bridge and all the Israelites were saved.”

“Now, Joey, is that REALLY what your teacher taught you?” his mother asked.

“Well, no, Mom, but if I told it the way the teacher did, you’d never believe it!”

The program "Servants" will air Sunday, October 18, 2009. Visit www.christiancrusaders.org for radio stations and times, or to listen online.