MARK 9:30-50 SERVANT LEADERSHIP The process of teaching and learning can take many forms. To follow the exact same pattern leaves many lessons untaught. The Lord Jesus took His disciples on the long way to Capernaum on the tour through Galilee to privately teach things to them were personally affecting to them, not just to pass on information. Again, He told them of the coming fact of His betrayal, death and resurrection. Some things have to be repeated several times because they are beyond the area of the learners’ experience and belief. Crucifixion was for evil-doers, not for a Person who blessed others. One who teaches may wait for, or even ask for, questions from those being taught but may not have any person respond. That doesn't mean everything is understood. Often it is easier to answer a question than to ask one. A person may feel stupid if they ask a question because they think thy should already know the answer but honestly don't.
A good teacher-leader will find a "teaching moment" either by responding to an event or initiating one by observation. The Lord used the last method when He challenged them with a simple question based on observation. Places of authority and leadership in the kingdom of God are not based on one's pedigree, education or skill. It is based on the willingness of a person to serve others. This is not just token servant- hood either. The bent and practice of service is not something that can be faked. Most of us would rather be served than serve. In most cultures the role of a servant is near the bottom of the ladder of society and is not an occupation that most want to be involved in.
The illustration of the child in the middle of this group of men would have had a serious impact on them because they would have been like many today - "O yes, but he is only a child." Real service for God involves a passion to be a blessing to others. John saw this principle right away as they had made a mistake in thinking they had exclusive rights of serving God using the authority of Jesus' name. Apparently, he knew they had done wrong. Whoever the person is who serves the children, whoever the person is who does their service for the Lord is going to be rightly rewarded because of their willingness to serve Him. In the same way, whoever leads one into sin or the path of sinfulness, will experience serious consequences. Neutrality is not possible in the service of the Lord and yet not everyone who serves will be identical. There are now, and always will be differences in those who share a common faith.
Our measure of successful service is not personal achievement but devoted, unselfish labor for the blessing of others and the glory of God. That is why the serious caution against leading others astray is illustrated by making sure there is the cutting off of sin in ourselves. The condition of the individual who serves must be with real intolerance for evil in ourselves. We can compromise the truth we preach and the service we do by wrong deeds (the hand); the wrong approach to the efforts we may put into the work (the foot); or the motivation and desire of accomplishment we have (the eye).
We must have "salt" in ourselves first. The desire for being the greatest has to be dealt with. Overlooking the value of every person, young and old, has to have the salt applied. The jealous defense of our own work has to be looked at in the context of the big picture of the kingdom of God before we condemn the work another person does. The salt causes pain and agony that will not accommodate evil in our lives. The "fire" of salt can actually bring peace to the servant-leader.
We use it for flavor enhancement in much of what we eat. Gracious words seasoned with salt are helpful when people we greet. The salt of fire is needed to purify whatever action we may meet - When we have salt in ourselves.
People are willing to listen to and follow faithful men, When they know, on their good will they can depend. Even though the truths they teach will challenge them - When we have salt in ourselves.
One with salt in himself will not overlook the value of children. He has the heart of a servant to all without an agenda that is hidden. It is his desire to use in the best possible way what has been given - When we have salt in ourselves.
It won't be our desire to condemn another person's labor. We will be glad to rejoice when another is shown divine favor. The salt that is in us will give to God's work a good savor - When we have salt in ourselves.
Gracious Father, I thank Thee heartily for putting up with my manners in the wilderness. I am embarrassed at times to think how little credit I give to those who serve Thee outside of our "group." This morning I do honestly praise Thee for what Thou art doing through the efforts of all that do service in Thy name alone. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."