Power Struggles

This Sunday I will be preaching at our home church. The text I will be using is from Mark 9:30-37. Even among the disciples of Jesus there was conflict and in this passage there was a power struggle.

Jesus asks them "What were you arguing about on the way?" They really didn't want to answer this question. I remember when as a child, I said or did something very petty or childish and my grandmother (who raised me) would ask the question, "What was that all about?" I remember not wanting to answer because I knew immediately that what I had done or said was silly.

The disciples were "caught" and they knew their behavior was childish. They were arguing as to was the greatest among them. I can hear John, who may have been the baby of the family saying, "He loves me the most". or Peter, "He has a very special place for me in the work of the kingdom." Here's what Jesus did:
9:35 He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, "Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all."9:36 Then he took a little child and put it among them; and taking it in his arms, he said to them,9:37 "Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me."

What lesson do we learn from this passage? 1. There will be power struggles, even in the church and among the ministry. 2. There is a lesson to be learned from every situation. 3. When we think we are exalted within ourselves remember, it is God who does the promotion and not man. 4. Distractions are one of the tools used by the enemy. A distraction will keep us from seeing the real problem or need.

If you are struggling with issues like the disciples did in this passage remember the lesson Jesus gave to them.

I pray you will find your place in HIS work and will. God has a place for each of us. He has a specific work for each of us to do. I pray you find that peace today.

Blessings,
Dr. Mike