Following Jesus into Mission/Service

Sermon notes:

Why we don’t serve:

1. “We want you to do for us…” – We think life is about receiving.
2. “…whatever we ask” – We believe happiness comes from realizing our individual dreams.
3. “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left” – We confuse success with worldly power and authority.

Ezekiel 36:26

“Not so with you” – A change of thinking for Jesus’s followers:

1. The journey to the life we need includes suffering.

Mark 10:39

2. Greatness is realized through service.

Mark 10:43-44

3. Significance is measured by the love we give others and the sacrifices we make on their behalf.

Mark 10:45

Follow-up Questions from Sunday:

Getting to Know You:
Have you ever given someone a gift that you were happy and excited for them to receive? What was it?

Quick Review:
Looking back from this week’s teaching, was there anything you heard for the first time or that caught your attention, challenged, or confused you?

Digging Deeper:

1. Read Mark 10:35-45. Jesus has reorient his disciples’ thinking about the importance of service. Are you actively involved in service? What are the biggest challenges you face?
2. Read John 13:12-17. Jesus said he was giving us an example of how to serve one another. He meant much more than physically washing people’s feet. Describe the attitude, mindset and heart behind his behavior.
3. Read 1 John 3:16-18. The author of this book is John the son of Zebedee—the same person who asked Jesus to be seated at his right or left hand (Mark 10:37). John wrote this letter near the end of his life. Describe the growth in John’s understanding of his mission as a follower of Jesus between the time Jesus instructed him in Mark 10 and the time he wrote this letter.
4. Read James 2:14-17 and Matthew 25:40. What does the service we do for others reveal about our faith? What does it reveal about our love for Jesus?
5. Read Hebrews 13:15-16. The author mentions two specific sacrifices that we can offer God on a daily basis. Why do you think these sacrifices are pleasing to God? A sacrifice is something you offer up as an expression of something in your heart. Based on these verses, what are the qualities God wants to develop in your heart?
6. What are one or two major differences you would see in your family, workplace and/or circle of friends if everyone served each other with love and humility?

Taking it Home:

What is one thing you can apply to your life from this message and how can this group remember you in prayer this week?