Are You a Servant?

 N.T.#388 "Are You a Servant?"

Sept. 11, 2024 

Mark 9-Part 5

LET IT GLOW 

I like to slip college students some extra money without a show. I have been there and experienced needs when I was one. Doing so just might life them up when discouraged, help them have something needed. It fills me with joy to do it. Even giving a cup of water will be rewarded. How about you?

Greatness comes by being a servant to others-not by exalting yourself above others. Jesus came as a servant and was trying to teach His disciples how to be one. Jesus illustrated His point with a child. to show kindness to a child-who can offer nothing in return-is to serve God. (verse 36) (Evans)

Whosoever shall receive one of such children in My name, receiveth Me: and whosoever shall receive Me, receive, receiveth Me not, but Him that sent Me. (verse 37)

In other words, when we receive someone, we are treating them like a member of the family-with kindness, hospitality. It may have been one of Peter's children which Jesus sat on His lap as a teaching and example to us believers. We are to be like children, humble and trusting the Savior. Then, we are to accept true believers like little children, serving them. (MacArthur) 

It seems the rivalry over greatness was resolved. Jesus took care of it.

That puts serving others in a better understandable situation, doesn't it? Who have we been serving? Family, friends, neighbors? What about strangers in need?

LET IT GROW 

Back in Mark 6, Jesus had sent His disciples out on a mission trip. The results were not written down anywhere, as far as I know, except here-John mentions they saw someone using Jesus' name to cast out demons. they told the man to stop because he wasn't in their group. (verse 38)

How did Jesus respond? 

• He told the disciples to not stop the guy. (verse 39)
• No one who performs a miracle in Jesus' name will soon be able to speak evil of Him. 
• Anyone who is not against us is for us. (verse 40)
• If a Christian gives a cup of water in Jesus' name, they will surely be rewarded. (verse 41) Acts of kindness done to His followers are considered to be done to Jesus. (Matt. 27:40)
• But if you cause one of these little ones who trust in Jesus to fall into sin, it would be better for you to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone hung around your neck. A millstone was a very large stone used in a mill for grinding, requiring a donkey to move it. 

Later, John wrote in I John 4:11, Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. 

Jesus took it seriously how we treat others. Are we looking for ways we can serve others in Jesus' name?

" How can I help you today?" should be our motto.

Friend, are you a citizen in God's kingdom? It is by faith in Jesus and His grace that we can be.

LET IT GO

Help us to love others to You, Jesus.

Help us to serve others like we are serving You, Precious Savior.

Open our eyes today.