Snapshot23 Mark 9:30-41 "Nobodies are Somebodies"
Community Group Questions
1. Have you ever felt like people have treated you like a nobody?
2. Have you ever felt that people treated you like a somebody and it went to head?
3. Do you feel it is hard to willing serve people who do not seem to matter to society?
4. What are some acts of service that get no recognition from this world?
5. Have you fallen into the trap of trying to be a "somebody" but in so doing you fell into sin?
kids in neighborhoods across the world engage in the same argument "I am better then you" We all have a natural tendency to want to be a "somebody". We want to leave a legacy, we want to make a difference, we want to be noticed, we want to be important.
Dr. Robert Fuller Earned his PHD in physics in 1961 and in 1970 at 33 became the president of Oberlin College with made him one of the youngest College presidents in US history. Through his travels to India and the USSR he realized the social problems of the world in regards to rank and worth of individuals.
Reflecting on the different roles he had played, he came to understand that he had, at various times, enjoyed the status of a "somebody" while at other times he had embraced the position of a "nobody." His experiences in “nobodyland” led him to identify rankism--a term he coined.
His work is the area of rankism is a book called Somebodies and Nobodies: Overcoming the Abuse of Rank
Rankism is what people who take themselves for "somebodies" do to those they mistake for "nobodies."
Basically, it is people who have an important position that take advantage of those who do not and people thinking they are worth more because they have important positions.
This is nothing new and in todays passage we see Jesus deal with the disciples with issues of rank, who is a "somebody" and who is a "nobody".
Jesus' counsel..."nobodies" are "somebodies".
-Jesus is the "somebody" that became a "nobody". Vrs 30-32 and allowed sinful men to abuse and kill Him like He was a nobody. GOSPEL
-We have a wrong definition of "somebodies". Vrs 33-34
Matters of rank were important to the Jews (cf. Luke 14:7-11) so it was natural for the disciples to be concerned about their status in the coming messianic kingdom. Perhaps the privileges given to Peter, James, and John (cf. Mark 5:37; 9:2) fueled the argument. BKC
In todays world people put a sense of importance on, what you have accomplished, earned or what you have made of yourself. And in many senses people are labeled good or bad because of those things.
The book of James challenges the Christians because they were giving "somebodies" in the world's eyes higher places of honor.
We need to understand that Jesus definition is much different and
-Recognize that the "nobodies" are "somebodies" Vrs 35-37a
Here “servant” (diakonos) depicts one who attends to the needs of others freely, not one in a servile position (as a doulos, a slave). BKC
Jesus did not condemn the desire to improve one’s position in life but He did teach that greatness in His kingdom was not determined by status but by service. BKC
Jesus uses the illustration of a child because in the Greco-Roman and Jewish culture of that day children were the "least" they were not great at all. So what Jesus was saying was "greatness comes from having the ability and the heart to serve and help what society considers not great"
We do not fully comprehend a society that says children are the least, but we also don't have a society that places much value on those who have not accomplished anything or proved their self worth.
An illustration of this is what we pay people who work with children and what we pay people who provide us with entertainment.
In our servanthood, we value the least of men, not just those whom the world considers important. Teachers Commentary
-We are all "somebodies" because of Jesus Vrs 37b ???
You see where this is going??? nobodies are somebodies to Jesus. Nothing about this child in the worlds eyes makes him a "somebody" but to Jesus He is saying he is so much a "somebody" that if you don't help him you are making yourself a "nobody" because you are trying to be a "somebody". (talk about children's ministry)
Ronald Regan said "there is purpose and worth to each and every life"
The trap
-We can be "somebodies" that act like "nobodies" Vrs 38-41
This is what the disciples were doing. They wanted to stop others from doing the work of the Lord because they did not follow "them"
This incident revealed the Twelve’s narrow exclusiv-ism. Remember this was on the heals of the disciples not being able to cast out the demon from the boy. They were thinking of themselves and how they can be "Somebodies" But because of their focus on themselves they became narcissistic. (extreme interest in oneself)
Dr. Drew Pinsky in his book "The Mirror Effect" Stresses that narcissism isn’t simply supersized ego, but supersized ego mixed with low-self esteem.
The disciples may have been thinking..."I don't feel great but I want to be great. OR I feel like a "nobody" and want to be a "somebody"." In this they were acting like "nobodies"
Jesus the ultimate "somebody" became and "nobody" so we can be "somebodies", now we need to act like "somebodies".
Here is how we do it...by contrast.
Nobodies....
-Want their way.
-Want attention.
-Have and unhealthy love for themself.
-Focus on what they can get from this life.
Somebodies...
-Want the will of God and the good of others.
-Want to bring attention to Jesus & Give attention to those who need it.
-Realize that it is all about loving Jesus and others. Fuller states "rankism kills love"
-Realize that acts of service to Jesus and others results in rewards for the next life.
Who are the people around us that we need to treat like somebodies to bring them closer to Jesus.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Monday, March 19, 2012
Snapshot Series: "Prayer Possibilities"
Snapshot22 Mark 9:14-29 "Possibilities of Prayer"
Community Group Questions
1. What is your problem or conflict?
2. Have you been ignoring the fact that Jesus can help you?
3. When have you obeyed the Lord out of necessity?
4. When have you obeyed out of love?
5. Describe your prayer life...when do your prayer? What keeps you disciplined?
Big Idea: "When problems and conflicts come we need to realize the possibilities of prayer"
Vrs 14-18 The disciples and the people came to a crossroads. There is a problem and a conflict, we want answers.
Problem-the mans son is demon possessed.
Conflict- The disciples were facing the scribes who were plotting against Jesus and challenging their power and Jesus'
Jesus asks "what are you arguing about?"
I can imagine the argument went like this... The disciples were not able to cast the demon out and the scribes were saying something along the lines of "see you have no power and either does Jesus"
Today...Don't people say things like that about God? If there is a God why do you have problems? If you trust God why is your life not perfect and you have conflicts with others. How come he does not answer, does not care or does not heal it? They say "you are powerless so is He"
What is your problem or conflict? Relational, financial, self image, loss, no direction in life. (pick one and have it in your mind during the sermon, prayer card)
Vrs 19a How long will we ignore Jesus? How long am I to be with and bear with you? Jesus was challenging the fact that they went to the wrong the place to receive healing.
William Lane says on the verse "the overtone of Jesus phrase "unbelieving generation" suggests that the disciples remain indistinguishable from the unregenerate men"
Is that us as well? When people see us do they see people who rely on the Lord and leave things in His hands and believe He actually cares and can do things about it? Or are we ignoring the Lord.
There is a sense of loneliness in the statement of Jesus. "How long". It is sad Jesus wants to have a relationship with us and He wants it to be one of comfort and it grieves Him when we chose to take matters into our own hands. Not only because He desires our fellowship but because He knows what is best for us and He can help.
Vrs 19b-20 Do we obey out of necessity? Many times people come to the right place for what some think is the wrong reason. The trap the Christians fall into is criticizing them for going to the right place for the wrong or selfish reason. example: People just come to church on Easter or Christmas. You just want us to help you because you are a financial issue. The list goes on...as Christians whether their motive is wrong or right they are here and we should help. Because that is how God treats us.
We should obey out of love but we have all obeyed out of necessity at times in life because we all need Jesus' help
Vrs 21 How long will we wait? "How long has this been happening?" The Question for us is...how long are we going to live our lives without bringing our problems and conflicts to the feet of the Lord?
Vrs 22 How should we ask? The words, "If You can do anything", indicate that the disciples’ inability to expel the demon (v. 18) had shaken the father’s faith in Jesus’ ability. BKC
Is your faith shaken because you have been dealing with the same problem or conflict and no one seems to care or want to help?
Sometimes our faith is shaken by the ugliness of problems (demon possessed boy). This can't work out. I will never be happy, things will never be the same. We start to doubt the power of God and we don't want to go to Him in prayer.
"Don’t pray when you feel like it. Have an appointment with the Lord and keep it. A person is powerful on his knees." Corrie ten Boom
Vrs 23 "If I can! All things are possible for those who believe". Jesus then challenges the belief of the man.
When we bring problems and conflicts to the Lord the impossible becomes possible. It challenges our thinking of how things can change or how God changes us to deal with the issues. Remember God will only allow you to go through what you can handle. 1 Cor 10:13
Sometimes we have to come to this conclusion..."I believe that God can do it, He is just not doing it now or may chose not to"
We should ask in faith & humility.
Vrs 24 The man's confession GOSPEL We see something in this man that Jesus loves to see humility..."help my unbelief"
Vrs 25-27 The display Jesus' power. God shows Himself to those who believe.
Draw near to God and He will drawn near to you. James 4:8
When we cast our cares on the Lord He cares for us 1 Peter 5:7
His power is made perfect in our weakness. 2 Cor 12:9
This poor father had no control over what was happening to his son and in that helplessness and hopelessness he turned his son and himself over to Jesus' care.
What are you trying to control? What are trying to take care of yourself? What problem or conflict is plaguing your life? Why has God not delivered you yet from your situation, maybe you have not let it all go to Him.
"Come to me you who are weary and I will give you rest" Mt 11:28
Maybe He has a different plan you just have not prayed enough to accept the plan from Him.
Vrs 28-29 Realize the possibilities of prayer. The disciples failed because they had not acted in prayer and sincere faith.
William Lane says "The disciples had been tempted to believe that the gift they had received from Jesus (6:7) was in their control and could be exercised at their disposal. This was a subtle form of unbelief, for it encouraged them to trust in themselves rather then God".
We should not be arrogant and presume upon God and tell Him what He should be doing.
Only Jesus could solve this problem and clear up the conflict, the disciples failed to recognize this.
We try our best but I can tell you our best is never as good as what the Lord can do.
When it comes to problems and conflicts we have in life...as the preacher John Wesley says "prayer is where the action is"
Community Group Questions
1. What is your problem or conflict?
2. Have you been ignoring the fact that Jesus can help you?
3. When have you obeyed the Lord out of necessity?
4. When have you obeyed out of love?
5. Describe your prayer life...when do your prayer? What keeps you disciplined?
Big Idea: "When problems and conflicts come we need to realize the possibilities of prayer"
Vrs 14-18 The disciples and the people came to a crossroads. There is a problem and a conflict, we want answers.
Problem-the mans son is demon possessed.
Conflict- The disciples were facing the scribes who were plotting against Jesus and challenging their power and Jesus'
Jesus asks "what are you arguing about?"
I can imagine the argument went like this... The disciples were not able to cast the demon out and the scribes were saying something along the lines of "see you have no power and either does Jesus"
Today...Don't people say things like that about God? If there is a God why do you have problems? If you trust God why is your life not perfect and you have conflicts with others. How come he does not answer, does not care or does not heal it? They say "you are powerless so is He"
What is your problem or conflict? Relational, financial, self image, loss, no direction in life. (pick one and have it in your mind during the sermon, prayer card)
Vrs 19a How long will we ignore Jesus? How long am I to be with and bear with you? Jesus was challenging the fact that they went to the wrong the place to receive healing.
William Lane says on the verse "the overtone of Jesus phrase "unbelieving generation" suggests that the disciples remain indistinguishable from the unregenerate men"
Is that us as well? When people see us do they see people who rely on the Lord and leave things in His hands and believe He actually cares and can do things about it? Or are we ignoring the Lord.
There is a sense of loneliness in the statement of Jesus. "How long". It is sad Jesus wants to have a relationship with us and He wants it to be one of comfort and it grieves Him when we chose to take matters into our own hands. Not only because He desires our fellowship but because He knows what is best for us and He can help.
Vrs 19b-20 Do we obey out of necessity? Many times people come to the right place for what some think is the wrong reason. The trap the Christians fall into is criticizing them for going to the right place for the wrong or selfish reason. example: People just come to church on Easter or Christmas. You just want us to help you because you are a financial issue. The list goes on...as Christians whether their motive is wrong or right they are here and we should help. Because that is how God treats us.
We should obey out of love but we have all obeyed out of necessity at times in life because we all need Jesus' help
Vrs 21 How long will we wait? "How long has this been happening?" The Question for us is...how long are we going to live our lives without bringing our problems and conflicts to the feet of the Lord?
Vrs 22 How should we ask? The words, "If You can do anything", indicate that the disciples’ inability to expel the demon (v. 18) had shaken the father’s faith in Jesus’ ability. BKC
Is your faith shaken because you have been dealing with the same problem or conflict and no one seems to care or want to help?
Sometimes our faith is shaken by the ugliness of problems (demon possessed boy). This can't work out. I will never be happy, things will never be the same. We start to doubt the power of God and we don't want to go to Him in prayer.
"Don’t pray when you feel like it. Have an appointment with the Lord and keep it. A person is powerful on his knees." Corrie ten Boom
Vrs 23 "If I can! All things are possible for those who believe". Jesus then challenges the belief of the man.
When we bring problems and conflicts to the Lord the impossible becomes possible. It challenges our thinking of how things can change or how God changes us to deal with the issues. Remember God will only allow you to go through what you can handle. 1 Cor 10:13
Sometimes we have to come to this conclusion..."I believe that God can do it, He is just not doing it now or may chose not to"
We should ask in faith & humility.
Vrs 24 The man's confession GOSPEL We see something in this man that Jesus loves to see humility..."help my unbelief"
Vrs 25-27 The display Jesus' power. God shows Himself to those who believe.
Draw near to God and He will drawn near to you. James 4:8
When we cast our cares on the Lord He cares for us 1 Peter 5:7
His power is made perfect in our weakness. 2 Cor 12:9
This poor father had no control over what was happening to his son and in that helplessness and hopelessness he turned his son and himself over to Jesus' care.
What are you trying to control? What are trying to take care of yourself? What problem or conflict is plaguing your life? Why has God not delivered you yet from your situation, maybe you have not let it all go to Him.
"Come to me you who are weary and I will give you rest" Mt 11:28
Maybe He has a different plan you just have not prayed enough to accept the plan from Him.
Vrs 28-29 Realize the possibilities of prayer. The disciples failed because they had not acted in prayer and sincere faith.
William Lane says "The disciples had been tempted to believe that the gift they had received from Jesus (6:7) was in their control and could be exercised at their disposal. This was a subtle form of unbelief, for it encouraged them to trust in themselves rather then God".
We should not be arrogant and presume upon God and tell Him what He should be doing.
Only Jesus could solve this problem and clear up the conflict, the disciples failed to recognize this.
We try our best but I can tell you our best is never as good as what the Lord can do.
When it comes to problems and conflicts we have in life...as the preacher John Wesley says "prayer is where the action is"
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Snapshot Series: "Change of Perspective"
Community Group Questions
1. How do you feel you are bringing glory to Jesus?
2. How often do you talk about the gospel?
3. What in your life is an illustration of the Gospel?
4. How often do you think about heaven?
5. What would our church look like if people focused on heaven?
Snapshot21 Mark 9:1-13 "Change of Perspective"
Mark Chapters 1-8 the question is who is Jesus? chapter 8 is the climax Jesus is the Messiah and chap 9-16 Christ and the cross.
Things change in life...Some changes we love and want to last. We were on vacation last week visiting with my mom. For our family it is great... (talk about the vacation)
On the way to the airport Silah. She loved being away and wanted it last.
Other changes we don't like very much and we don't want them to last like when you lose someone close to you or a relationship ends. Regardless of the change, good or bad it alters our perspective.
In today's passage we are looking at the transfiguration of Jesus which alter Peter, James and John's perspective and should alter ours as well.
Vrs 1 This verse is in reference to what would happen next...the transfiguration.
1st we are going to look at what we learn about God's kingdom from the transfiguration. "the change"
• God's kingdom
Displays Glory
Vrs 2-3 the transfiguration "be changed" Ex 24:15-17 MArk was noting the 6 days because his readers would realize this conectiong of preparation time. He called apart Peter, James and John because Jesus knew that they would face suffering for their spread of the gospel. Jesus gave them a "taste of the kingdom" before they tasted death in order to encourage them that glory would come.
This is the only recorded instance during our Lord’s ministry of His revealing His inner glory for others to see. It was really a confirmation of the kingdom that God has promised to His people Israel
For the Christian we have to come to the conclusion that although this life can be wrought with suffering for the Christian "glory will follow" glorified bodies.
God's kingdom is Cross centered
Vrs 4 Moses represented the Law and Elijah the prophets, both of which are fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Weirsbe
What was this conversation like?
The cross is the theme of heaven’s conversation and of heaven’s praise. Rev 5 GOSPEL
God's kingdom Is eternal
Vrs 5 Three Tents : The Bible Guide says it this way Peter wants the vision to last. He offers to make shelters by piling branches, as the Jews do for the Feast of Tabernacles. But the moment passes. Moses and Elijah return to heaven — leaving Jesus to resume his road to Jerusalem and the cross.
He said it was good for them to be there, implying that he wished to prolong the glorious experience. BKC
We want paradise now and we want it to last. Think about life it is a constant striving for something better. I don't think I have ever heard a parent say "I want worse for my kid"
But unfortunately we can fall into the trap of sin because we want something better or something to last.
The Philosopher Plato said "pleasure is the bait of sin"
So we work too much and neglect family and the Lord, we are deceitful to get ahead and have more. we are dishonest to get what we want.
To get what I would call a glimpse of what heaven is and then want it to last. In this pursuit we forget what will last... Heaven. So we strive to make good things last and ignore the good thing that will last because we have not made it there yet so we don' live in view of it.
• God's counsel for change God wants our perspective to change
Obedience to Jesus
Vrs 6-8 This entire altercation comes on the heals of Peter blurting out "should we make tents" Interestingly enough Jesus does not answer Peter...the Father does. "Listen to Jesus"
When we listen to Jesus we bring Jesus Glory, when we listen to ourselves we attempt to bring ourselves glory. It does not work, not only do we fail in making ourselves famous but we fail in making Jesus famous and that is what we are supposed to be doing.
Francis de Sales. Bishop of Geneve in the 1500's said Some men become proud because they ride a fine horse, wear a feather in their hat or are dressed in a fine suit of clothes. Who does not see the folly of this? If there be any glory in such things, the glory belongs to the horse, the bird and the tailor.
The Father is communicating to the disciples and us that the glory that is brought to you comes from Listening to Jesus.
Do you want to make an impact on others? listen to Jesus
Some will be drawn in by your obedience (parents of teens and young adults). Others will be repelled by it. (friends, family and coworkers)
Die to self live to Christ Vrs 9-10 In chapter 8 Jesus spoke to them about self denial. Jesus knew the disciples would want to share their experience with others but he said wait. Listening to Jesus requires dying to self.
That means if Jesus says don't we don't and do we do
When we die to self and live to Christ we display the change Jesus has made in us. We are a new creation the old has gone (died) and the new has come (life) Death to life is a biblical concept.
The salvation plan of God is to redeem us back to Himself and the resurrection proves that. Jesus for the second time now in the Gospel speaks of His resurrection in many senses reminding them of the new life they and we have in Him.
Focus on eternity
Vrs 11-13 Jesus foreshadows His death and tells them about how John the Baptist was the coming of Elijah. His plan is eternal. The answer that Jesus gives is leading them to an eternal focus. The unfolding of the prophecies. As a Christian our focus should be on eternity.
“I thank my God for graciously granting me the opportunity of learning that death is the key which unlocks the door to our true happiness.” ― Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
What would this church be like if we all lived everyday with a focus on eternity? No gossip, no self serving decisions, helping others, reaching out to neighbors, caring for the sick, widow and orphan, giving a cup of cold water.
Living your life by God's counsel in view of God's kingdom will bring about change, not only will your actions change but your perspective on what this life is for will as well.
1. How do you feel you are bringing glory to Jesus?
2. How often do you talk about the gospel?
3. What in your life is an illustration of the Gospel?
4. How often do you think about heaven?
5. What would our church look like if people focused on heaven?
Snapshot21 Mark 9:1-13 "Change of Perspective"
Mark Chapters 1-8 the question is who is Jesus? chapter 8 is the climax Jesus is the Messiah and chap 9-16 Christ and the cross.
Things change in life...Some changes we love and want to last. We were on vacation last week visiting with my mom. For our family it is great... (talk about the vacation)
On the way to the airport Silah. She loved being away and wanted it last.
Other changes we don't like very much and we don't want them to last like when you lose someone close to you or a relationship ends. Regardless of the change, good or bad it alters our perspective.
In today's passage we are looking at the transfiguration of Jesus which alter Peter, James and John's perspective and should alter ours as well.
Vrs 1 This verse is in reference to what would happen next...the transfiguration.
1st we are going to look at what we learn about God's kingdom from the transfiguration. "the change"
• God's kingdom
Displays Glory
Vrs 2-3 the transfiguration "be changed" Ex 24:15-17 MArk was noting the 6 days because his readers would realize this conectiong of preparation time. He called apart Peter, James and John because Jesus knew that they would face suffering for their spread of the gospel. Jesus gave them a "taste of the kingdom" before they tasted death in order to encourage them that glory would come.
This is the only recorded instance during our Lord’s ministry of His revealing His inner glory for others to see. It was really a confirmation of the kingdom that God has promised to His people Israel
For the Christian we have to come to the conclusion that although this life can be wrought with suffering for the Christian "glory will follow" glorified bodies.
God's kingdom is Cross centered
Vrs 4 Moses represented the Law and Elijah the prophets, both of which are fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Weirsbe
What was this conversation like?
The cross is the theme of heaven’s conversation and of heaven’s praise. Rev 5 GOSPEL
God's kingdom Is eternal
Vrs 5 Three Tents : The Bible Guide says it this way Peter wants the vision to last. He offers to make shelters by piling branches, as the Jews do for the Feast of Tabernacles. But the moment passes. Moses and Elijah return to heaven — leaving Jesus to resume his road to Jerusalem and the cross.
He said it was good for them to be there, implying that he wished to prolong the glorious experience. BKC
We want paradise now and we want it to last. Think about life it is a constant striving for something better. I don't think I have ever heard a parent say "I want worse for my kid"
But unfortunately we can fall into the trap of sin because we want something better or something to last.
The Philosopher Plato said "pleasure is the bait of sin"
So we work too much and neglect family and the Lord, we are deceitful to get ahead and have more. we are dishonest to get what we want.
To get what I would call a glimpse of what heaven is and then want it to last. In this pursuit we forget what will last... Heaven. So we strive to make good things last and ignore the good thing that will last because we have not made it there yet so we don' live in view of it.
• God's counsel for change God wants our perspective to change
Obedience to Jesus
Vrs 6-8 This entire altercation comes on the heals of Peter blurting out "should we make tents" Interestingly enough Jesus does not answer Peter...the Father does. "Listen to Jesus"
When we listen to Jesus we bring Jesus Glory, when we listen to ourselves we attempt to bring ourselves glory. It does not work, not only do we fail in making ourselves famous but we fail in making Jesus famous and that is what we are supposed to be doing.
Francis de Sales. Bishop of Geneve in the 1500's said Some men become proud because they ride a fine horse, wear a feather in their hat or are dressed in a fine suit of clothes. Who does not see the folly of this? If there be any glory in such things, the glory belongs to the horse, the bird and the tailor.
The Father is communicating to the disciples and us that the glory that is brought to you comes from Listening to Jesus.
Do you want to make an impact on others? listen to Jesus
Some will be drawn in by your obedience (parents of teens and young adults). Others will be repelled by it. (friends, family and coworkers)
Die to self live to Christ Vrs 9-10 In chapter 8 Jesus spoke to them about self denial. Jesus knew the disciples would want to share their experience with others but he said wait. Listening to Jesus requires dying to self.
That means if Jesus says don't we don't and do we do
When we die to self and live to Christ we display the change Jesus has made in us. We are a new creation the old has gone (died) and the new has come (life) Death to life is a biblical concept.
The salvation plan of God is to redeem us back to Himself and the resurrection proves that. Jesus for the second time now in the Gospel speaks of His resurrection in many senses reminding them of the new life they and we have in Him.
Focus on eternity
Vrs 11-13 Jesus foreshadows His death and tells them about how John the Baptist was the coming of Elijah. His plan is eternal. The answer that Jesus gives is leading them to an eternal focus. The unfolding of the prophecies. As a Christian our focus should be on eternity.
“I thank my God for graciously granting me the opportunity of learning that death is the key which unlocks the door to our true happiness.” ― Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
What would this church be like if we all lived everyday with a focus on eternity? No gossip, no self serving decisions, helping others, reaching out to neighbors, caring for the sick, widow and orphan, giving a cup of cold water.
Living your life by God's counsel in view of God's kingdom will bring about change, not only will your actions change but your perspective on what this life is for will as well.
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