Woship Resources 2008-2009 — Year B: Be a Sanctuary of Christ's Peace

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Sunday, October 18, 2009
Become a Servant

Children’s Sabbath
Ordinary Time (Proper 24)

Scriptures: Job 38:1–7, 34–41; Psalm 104:1–9, 24, 35c; Hebrews 5:1–10;
Mark 10:35–45; Mosiah 1:49–50; Doctrine and Covenants 59:2a–b

Today is the observance of Children’s Sabbath. Now in its eighteenth year, it is a day for people of all ages and all faiths to learn and recognize the urgent needs of children. It is a day to increase our awareness of the need to nurture and protect children and to seek justice on their behalf. For more information order the Children’s Sabbath Resource Manual, which contains worship, educational, community outreach, and advocacy suggestions. See www.childrensdefense.org/site/PageServer?pagename=Childrens_Sabbaths_Manual to order.

Prelude

Gathering Song: “Make Me a Servant” NS 35
OR “Lord Jesus, of You I Will Sing” SP 31

Call to Worship: Doctrine and Covenants 59:2a–b

*Opening Hymn: “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” HS 31
OR “Mighty God, Transforming God!” NS 38

*Invocation

*Response

Disciples’ Generous Response

Each Sunday, as part of the Disciples’ Generous Response, we ask you to integrate the message of “share equally” between Local and World Ministries Mission Tithes. Generosity stories are provided to keep the church in touch with how contributions to Mission Tithes spread the peace of Jesus Christ. Please use the stories, testimonies, and up-to-date contribution information as part of your offertory ministry. Visit www.CofChrist.org/generositystories to print a copy, or contact your pastor, congregational financial officer, or worship coordinator for a copy.

Blessing and Receiving of Mission Tithes

As the offering is received, have the youth lead the congregation in “Jesus Loves the Little Children,” HS 223.

Focus Moment

Have the children gather in front while the book A Star from Grandma by Janet Mueller is read. ISBN: 978-0974693231.

Scripture: Mosiah 1:49–50

Testimony of Servanthood

Have someone appointed to share an experience where they came to know Christ through service to others. This should be approximately five minutes in length.

Ministry of Music: “Instruments of Your Peace” NS 21

Arrange for someone to sing this song, asking the congregation to join in on the last verse.

OR “The Bread That Giveth Strength” HS 423

Message

Based on Mark 10:35–45

Responsive Reading

Leader: The earth cries for the testimonies of but a few witnesses, who will tell the message of Jesus.

People: Restored and renewed, we will go forth as witnesses of his love.

Leader: The earth groans for the liberating truths of the gospel. Who will carry that message?

People: Empowered by divine grace, we will go forth as servants and carry that message to all who will hear.

Leader: For what purpose do the people of God arise?

People: We have felt the touch of Jesus in our lives; we have experienced his love, his grace, and his presence.

Leader: For what cause shall the people of God give such service?

All: It is the response of God’s people to the ministry of his Son.

*Closing Hymn: “Here I Am, Lord” NS 12
OR “Send Me Forth, O Blessed Master” HS 424

*Benediction and Prayer for Peace see page 27

*Response

*Postlude

　Sermon Helps

Scriptures: Job 38:1–7, 34–41; Psalm 104:1–9, 24, 35c; Hebrews 5:1–10; Mark 10:35–45

Exploring the Scriptures

Mark 10:35–45 is a subsection of a larger group of scriptures (Mark 8:22—10:52) that have been labeled by some commentaries as the “passion prediction units.” Each “passion” motif has its own setting and theological elements worthy of investigation; however, they also share three common traits—“prediction of Jesus’ death, misunderstanding by his disciples, and instruction in discipleship.”

In Mark 10:35–45 Jesus and his disciples are walking along the road to Jerusalem. Jesus is ahead of them, and the disciples are following along. Jesus appears to know where he is going and what lies ahead. On the other hand the disciples walking along behind would lead to the speculation that they were not sure about the journey ahead. They were very likely afraid and reluctant to travel the road that Jesus had predicted and was now traveling. Yet, he was their Master, their teacher, their hope, and their Lord; so they followed.

James and John’s Request and the Disciples’ Misunderstanding

The scripture text focuses on the request of James and John asking Jesus to award them with places of honor in his “glory.” Jesus explains by asking what they really want, reminding them his mission is also theirs, and trying to help them understand the cost of discipleship (vv. 35–39). The Interpretation series writer reminds us of the irony of this inappropriate request following Jesus’ rebuke of Peter in Mark 8 and the connection he made to disciples needing to become like children to understand and inherit the kingdom’s message. Instead of seeking to understand the course of events that Jesus had clearly articulated would take place in the near future, the disciples are acting like children and “scheming for positions of privilege.” Although Peter, James, and John are specifically mentioned during the three motifs that predict the passion events, the other disciples are also engaged in the discussions. They are not innocent bystanders! They are portrayed as angry about the request of James and John, and are likely upset because they too are hoping for some form of special recognition from their Master.

Jesus Teaches about True Discipleship (vv. 40–45)

Jesus does not chastise James and John; rather, he chooses to affirm that they too are able to drink of his cup, his baptism. They can do this by doing as he has done in his life and ministry, by serving others. Jesus refocuses their ambitions for personal gain on the power that comes from God in service to others. Jesus invites them, even in their fear and uncertainty, to continue the journey with him. True discipleship is a costly journey that is not focused inward on one’s personal gain, but rather outward on the needs of others. The path of the disciple does not always go where we want it to go. Sometimes it takes us to unknown places and new adventures. It is a costly way of life. It means giving up our own selfish desires so we can help meet the needs of others. Greatness by kingdom standards is measured not by what we obtain for ourselves, but by what we are willing to do so that others can experience God’s peace in their lives.

Central Ideas
  1. Jesus uses the three “passion motifs” in Mark’s Gospel to help his closest followers understand that discipleship is risky business and following him will necessarily lead to a life less focused on self and more focused on the needs of others.
     
  2. Personal goals and ambitions are not absent in discipleship, but are refocused and integrated with our understandings of God’s unconditional love for all persons.
     
  3. True discipleship is an ongoing process of discerning and understanding what it means to give one’s whole self to the cause of the kingdom.
     
  4. Jesus traveled the road to Jerusalem with his disciples. We are invited to travel the path of the disciple together as a community of servant ministers.

Questions for the Speaker
  1. When have you been more like James and John in this story and less like the servant ministers that Jesus challenged them to be? What changed? How did God get your attention and help you understand better your role as servant minister?
     
  2. What are the challenges your congregation faces in moving beyond where they are, to be more missionally focused “outward” on sharing the peace of Jesus Christ and meeting the needs of those around them?
     
  3. What will be required for your congregation to accept the role of servant that Jesus talks about in this scripture? How can you help them by sharing your testimony and inviting them to join you in becoming a congregation that serves others?

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