TEXT: Mark 18:1-4, Mark 20:20-28, Mark 6:30-44, Phil. 2:3-8
MEMORY VERSE: Philippians 2:5 “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.”
PRACTICAL TRUTH: A humble person will serve others not for what he can receive, but for what he can do for others without recognition.
INTRODUCTION:
As we examine Jesus’ willingness to serve, you will recognize the need to become more like Him in serving others. And I pray that as you study this lesson, you will make changes in your life. To make these changes, you must possess the mind of Christ. Having the mind of Christ simply means you are clothing yourself with His humility. With this humility, you will recognize the needs of others and desire to do something about meeting those needs.
OUTLINES
- Compassionate Service. Mk. 6:30-44
- Humble Service. Phil. 2:3- 8, Mat. 18:1-4
- Willing Service. Mat. 20:20-28
COMPASSIONATE SERVICE. MK. 6:30-44
The disciples had just returned from a ministry assignment and had many experiences they wanted to talk about (Mark 6:30). Similarly, the crowds that followed Jesus were greatly increasing in size. From early morning until sunset, Jesus and His disciples were surrounded by people seeking help. This meant that Jesus and the disciples did not even have time for rest. Concerned for His disciples’ physical and emotional well-being, Jesus decided to withdraw to a deserted place where they would have time for rest (verses 31-32), but the people still followed them (verse 33).
When Jesus saw the spiritual hunger of the crowd and their desire for Him, He was moved with compassion (verse 34). Compassion is more than just having sympathy for someone experiencing difficulty; it also involves a strong desire to alleviate that difficulty. Having compassion may involve inconveniencing ourselves while we help others. It is not difficult to serve when our service comes from a heart of compassion. The disciples had concern for the crowd, but it was unlike the compassion that Christ had (Mark 6:35-38). Jesus asked the disciples what resources they had (verse 38). A hasty consultation provided an answer: 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish.
Jesus then instructed the disciples to organize the crowd into groups (verses 39-40). He multiplied the loaves and fish by His power (verses 41-44). Here, the disciples saw a practical demonstration of Christ’s compassion. Our compassion for others in need will give us opportunities to see miracles as we reach out to them.
Note: Healings and miraculous manifestation of God’s power can flow through us if we will take time to touch the lives of others who are in need.
HUMBLE SERVICE (PHIL. 2:3-8, MAT. 18:1-4)
Many people have a false idea of what humility is. Humility is not false modesty. Humility is having a proper estimate of oneself. A humble person may possess great ability but must not be arrogant. A humble person will serve others not for what they can receive, but for what they can do for others, often without recognition. In Philippians 2:3, Paul warned believers not to allow selfish ambition to govern their service. Jesus, fully God (verses 5-8), did not allow His deity to keep Him from coming to earth to minister to people (verse 7). He submitted Himself to one of the most horrible forms of death—death on a cross—in order to save people from their sins (verse 8). Someone who does not possess the spirit of humility cannot allow for such sacrifice. A person of true humility will offer themselves as a servant. To illustrate the importance of humility, Christ placed a child in front of His disciples (Matthew 18:2). Children are not self-conscious; they interact freely and without bias with other children. They do not hold grudges or hold others to their faults. They easily trust their parents’ and adults’ provisions and guidance. It is this spirit of humility that we must exhibit in our lives (verse 4). Those who would be truly great must be truly humble.
WILLING SERVICE (MATTHEW. 20:20-28)
There are some who want to be in positions of authority and leadership, but do not want to humbly serve. Rather, they want to exercise authority over others simply by being prominent (Matthew 20:20-21). Jesus’ reply to the mother of James and John could apply to some of our desires (verse 22). We sometimes want positions that would bring us prominence, but we do not want the responsibility that goes with those positions. When you read Matthew 20:24-28, you will see that the principles of the kingdom are totally opposite to the world’s practices. It is understood that the higher the position, the greater the authority. Jesus said, “it shall not be so among you” (verse 26). The person who truly wants to be great must take the place of a servant (verse 27). In fact, Jesus Himself came to serve, not to be served, even to the point of giving His life (verse 28). There can be no greater service than that. And it is with this kind of attitude that Christ wants us to serve others.