Sunday Sermon Wrap Up

It is human nature to constantly strive to be first. Whether it is first in line, first to eat, number one at work and so on. Just like climbing a ladder, our pride pushes us to climb to the very top. Once we reach that point we often feel empty as we look down upon the carnage that is the people we have stepped on and knocked over to get where we are.

Lets Review – Mark 9:33-37

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, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant to all.”
36 He took a little child and had him stand among them. Taking him 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.”

Jesus takes a seat and speaks to his disciples who perk up to listen. The reason behind this is that during this time, if a rabbi or a teacher took a seat, those listening were prepared for a very important message. “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last..” What does this message mean? True Greatness is equivalent to the amount of our humility. Jesus takes the child into his arms to show his disciples how we must love and serve. During this time, children were not viewed as equal and were looked upon as a lower class; therefore by welcoming the child into his arms he is inviting his followers to invite the less fortunate into theirs.

We must put others before ourselves in order to be first in God’s eyes. Do not let this discourage you and think that you must be the doormat to the world. Confidence and courage are important characteristics to humility. Arrogance is the opposite.

Let’s Review – Mark 10:31 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.

31

We may strive to be number one in all aspects of our lives, but when the time comes will you be judged as “first” in line into the gates of Heaven?

Let’s Review – Mark 10:45

45 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.

We were not put on this Earth to be served by others around us. We were placed on this Earth for a purpose, a purpose that may only be known to God, but an important one none the less. It is our duty to let God live through us and fulfill his plan.

In an effort to be “last”:
1. Choose contentment over compassion.
          Congratulate those around us for their achievements and accomplishments. Spend time acknowledging your successes rather than dwelling on the successes of others. Celebrate with those around you and encourage them to do well.
2. Choose others instead of me.
3. Choose God’s glory over my glory.
          Upon Mother Teresa’s passing she gave all of her life’s work and accomplishments up to the glory of God. She knew that although she was using humility to help those in need, it was God who allowed her to accomplish so much and it was He who was using her to fulfill his will. Are you helping to fulfill God’s purpose through you?
4. Choose God’s reward over Man’s recognition.
          Ask yourself is it worth jeopardizing my eternal life? God’s gift of everlasting life it worth more to me than anything else that this world can offer. There are only two things in life that do not have an expiration date: People and Jesus Christ!

So we must stop and ask, in light of eternity, what should we be pursuing and giving our life to?

A pastor is substituting for a 3^rd grade Sunday school class and asks the class a simple question, “What do you think Jesus is like?”  He expected a few answers, “He was a good man” or “He was the son of God” but one little boy raised his hand and said “I think he is like our Sunday school teacher.”

That is how we should live our lives. We should be so humble that people are able to see Jesus in us and through us. Let us be his hands and feet.