Sermon: October 20, 2024
Reading: Mark 10: 35-45
We can get so caught up in the world around us that we miss the point that following Jesus and being his disciples means we are to be the least of all and the servant of all, just like the disciples missed the point in today’s passage.
Theologian Richard Rohr wrote that “worship of Jesus is rather easy and risk-free; actually following Jesus changes everything.” It changes everything because following Jesus forces us to look within ourselves and recognize how we are like James, John, and the other disciples seduced by a world that encourages self-interest, personal gain, and encourages us to ask the question, “What’s in it for me?” True fulfillment is found not in what we achieve for ourselves but in what we give to others.
In a world that often encourages self-interest and personal gain, Jesus challenges us to live differently. Only by taking the difficult step of facing our human tendencies can we come to terms with how we fall short of truly following Jesus. And it allows us to be transformed and journey forward into a life of discipleship in the service of others.
Jesus calls us to embody God’s love for all creation through acts of compassion, mercy, and selfless service. When we dedicate ourselves to helping others, as Jesus taught and demonstrated, our true essence is revealed – an amazing tapestry of humanity that’s interconnected and bound together as the beloved children of God.
As Jesus demonstrated in his life and ministry, serving others aligns us with God's heart. Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, healed the sick, fed the hungry, and taught us to love our neighbors as ourselves. Imagine a world that embodies God’s love, where every action is guided by that type of love and a desire to lift up others. That’s what following Jesus and living in the Kingdom of God is about: a world where selflessness, compassion, and kindness reign supreme. A world that is built on God’s love and grace.
Today, as he did in the gospel passage, Jesus asks us, “What is it you want me to do for you?” May we ask Jesus to heal and transform us ever more into the image of his love and service so that we might ask Jesus, “What is it you want me to do?” and then have the courage to follow his answer and love one another.
