Choose Greatness Study #6
Self-Denial: The Habit of a Servant
Mark 8,9,10
It is one matter to believe in Jesus, to simply trust him as the Savior. To trust that he was God’s lamb, slain for sin – for my sin – and risen again. To simply trust in God’s provision in God’s promise, that anyone who believes in Him is justified, is declared righteous, and is given the gift of eternal life. For by grace we are saved. We are born into God’s family through simple faith, through trusting completely in Him.
It is another matter to come after Jesus. To deny oneself, to pay a personal price of self-sacrifice in order to obey the Master and become like Him in life purpose, in servanthood. All of God’s children should and all can make this choice to obediently follow, but not all do. Abiding in Jesus and obeying Jesus (cf. John 15) is to have a life of fruitfulness empowered by the Spirit, bringing joy both to the Father, to us, and to others. Such is the call and is the expectation of the Lord that all “come after,” though not all do.
In this follow up study, we will explore this key CHOOSE GREATNESS truth from Mark 8,9,10.
GETTING STARTED
Suppose you were to meet someone who had grown up in a home and within a larger family where God was never mentioned or discussed. But because of a common workplace or recreational setting, you become friends. One day, he/she asks what you do on the weekends, and part of your answer is, “Well, we pretty regularly attend a church worship service.” “Really,” comes the reply, “I can’t imagine doing that.” The conversation ends…but you wonder.
Discuss the following
- What would you say is “God’s will” for your friend? How would you describe what needs to happen?
- What might you need to do to bring about “God’s will” in your friend’s life?
- What sacrifices might you have to make to help bring about what God desires for him/her?
SOME TIME IN SCRIPTURE
It was clear that Jesus’ deep desire was that people would come to know and walk with God both through what He said (or taught) and did. Timely truth and timely help. His life was not about being served but serving others. Oddly enough, even though the disciples spent a lot of time with Him, they had great trouble embracing His attitude and actions. Their hearts were clouded with misconceptions and mis-placed priorities.
- What was Jesus trying to make clear about the road ahead as they made their way to Jerusalem? Mark 10:32-34 (cf. 8:31-33)
- What seemed to be dominating the hearts of the disciples as they approached Jerusalem? Mark 10:35-37 (cf. 8:32, 9:33-34)
- What misconceptions were they under? (10:38-39)
- Do you think this lack of alignment with Jesus exists today among Jesus’ disciples? In what ways?
- As you read Jesus’ response to his followers, what is sobering about his corrective words? Mark 10:42-44
PERSONAL TO US
As you think about Jesus’ challenge to his early followers, make an applicational bridge to your own life.
- How would you say Mark 10:42-44 applies to your life today?
- How do you see the challenge of “being a servant” expressed in your following of Jesus each week (perhaps at home, or at the university, or in the business arena)?
- Can you identify any specific personal sacrifice the Spirit is calling you to make in order that God’s will unfold (and be realized) in the life of someone else? Kick that around together in your group…then PRAY about the Spirit using you even more in this way in the days to come.