Good Morning,
Welcome to your online worship from St. Mark’s for Sunday, October 20, 2024.
In my sermon this Sunday, we explore how Jesus teaches us that true change doesn’t come through power or status, but through humility, service, and love. Reflecting on Mark 10:35-45, we’ll see how the disciples’ desire for change in their world mirrors our own, and how Jesus redirects that desire toward a path of self-sacrifice and transformation.
Today’s Opening Sentence
The Son of man came also not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. – Mark 10.45
Today’s Reading – Mark 10:35-45
James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to him and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” And he said to them, “What is it you want me to do for you?” And they said to him, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” They replied, “We are able.” Then Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.”
When the ten heard this, they began to be angry with James and John. So Jesus called them and said to them, “You know that among the Gentiles those whom they recognize as their rulers lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. But it is not so among you; but whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.”1
Your Online Message and Prayers
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Reflection questions for the week:
- How does Jesus’ call to humility and service challenge the way I approach personal or societal change?
- What small, everyday actions can I take to align more closely with Jesus’ example of love and self-sacrifice?
- When have I sought change through power or influence, and how might Jesus be inviting me to embrace a different path?
- How can my personal transformation contribute to broader changes in my community and the world around me?
A continued reminder that if you are at all uncomfortable being in-person for worship, or if you are not feeling well, please join us here online.
Thank you again for joining with your parish family in our online worship today.
Find out how you can support our ministry and good work in the community here.
God Bless you and have a blessed week. Be well!
Peace,
The Rev’d Canon Rob Park
- Scripture quotation is from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.