February 24, 1999

LIFE & WORK:
Christians called to
demonstrate service to world
___ Mark 5:1-20; 6:6b-13, 30-31
___By Thomas Lea
___Southwestern Seminary
___James and John asked Jesus, "Let us sit at your right and left hand in your glory." Jesus rebuked them by emphasizing that among believers "whoever wants to become great . . . must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all" (Mark 10:43-44).
___Jesus calls his followers not to seek power but to demonstrate service. How can today's disciples express devotion to Jesus?
___ Share your witness (Mark 5:18-20). In Mark 5:1-20 Jesus healed a demoniac. This man had lived among tombs (v. 3) and had shown superhuman strength (v. 4). Residents of the area later asked Jesus to leave (v. 17), but the healed demoniac wanted to accompany Jesus (v. 18).
___The request of the healed demoniac showed gratitude to Jesus and demonstrated a desire to learn. Jesus refused the request and sent him to his own friends and family to declare God's witness.
___The demoniac returned to a lonely, difficult task (v. 20). He was a Gentile proclaiming the might of Israel's God in Gentile territory.
___People responded to his witness with amazement. Witness-ing about Jesus' mercy and saving power is the privilege and responsibility of each believer.
___ Fulfill your mission (Mark 6:6b-12). In the beginning verses of Mark 6, Jesus received rejection in his hometown Nazareth (vv. 1-6). After this, Jesus sent his disciples on a mission of preaching and deliverance (v. 7). He wanted them to bring only the minimum necessities for the mission and to trust God for provisions (vv. 8-9).
___The disciples responded by calling people to repent (v. 12). They urged people to change their minds about God, Jesus and themselves. They needed to view Jesus as God's Messiah.
___God calls all believers to witness about him. As we respond to this call, we share God's mercy and saving power.
___ Engage in compassionate ministry (Mark 6:13). Jesus called his disciples to meet the needs of people in their ministry. Demonic control produced evil in the lives of many. In an age of poor medical knowledge many were sick. They needed spiritual help for their problems (see James 5:14).
___We can show compassion for the needy by becoming involved in their lives. When we serve others in Jesus' name, we secure a foundation for sharing Christ.
___ Take time for periodic renewal (Mark 6:30-31). Jesus' disciples undertook exhausting ministry in Mark 6:7-13. In verse 30 the disciples "reported to him all they had done and taught." They needed a time of solitude with Jesus, but people were swarming them so that "they did not even have a chance to eat." Jesus suggested that they withdraw for rest.
___At intervals, Jesus' followers must separate from their labors to seek renewal and new growth. We must rebuild the energy we give away in ministry.

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