Be Like King Charles And Serve Others

Introduction (5m)

Mark 9:33-37

Mark 9:33–37 NLT

After they arrived at Capernaum and settled in a house, Jesus asked his disciples, “What were you discussing out on the road?” But they didn’t answer, because they had been arguing about which of them was the greatest. He sat down, called the twelve disciples over to him, and said, “Whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else.” Then he put a little child among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, “Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes not only me but also my Father who sent me.”

The Grand Spectacle of the Coronation

Procession through London. The beautiful Gold State Coach. Pageantry of Service - anointing with holy oil, the Crown Jewels, including the orb, sceptre, and crown. St. Edward’s Crown - made 1661, weighs over 4lbs, contains 444 precious stones. Imperial State Crown adorned with over 3,000 precious stones including the famous Cullinan II diamond.

Yesterday’s procession and service reflects thousands of years of history

First recorded Coronation - 973AD, King Edgar. Became a grand spectacle from time William the Conqueror was crowned in Westminster Abbey in 1066. Right through to Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation in 1953.

All of this was in deep contrast to the first words uttered by the King as he arrived at WA

Echoing Jesus:

In his name, and after his example, I come not to be served but to serve.

Explanation (5m)

Jesus taught that whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else

Teaching his followers following revelation that he was Messiah, the Anointed King written about by ancient prophets - whom people believed would save God’s people and given them their rightful place as his children.

J not the M they expected! He had just told his disciples he must head towards Jerusalem to suffer and die.

Totally different to what they expected! Just as King Charles pronounced yesterday, Jesus said:

Mark 10:45 NLT

For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Difficult to understand because it in no way fitted into the way they understood what Messiah might do

What J was teaching was like a footballer explaining he was going to play the game tomorrow with his legs tied together.

But Jesus makes it clear that greatness is measured by servanthood

True leader places his or her self and needs last. Doesn’t mean becoming a doormat or tugging your forelock at everyone. It means having an attitude that looks to and acts upon others’ needs without expecting/demanding anything in return.

Application (5m)

Jesus’ example, which King Charles pledged to follow several times yesterday, is to forget about our status and simply to serve others

Forget about prestige, self-worth, bank balance, status. We are not Jesus’ royal courtiers-in-waiting, we are his fellow servants.

God evaluates us differently to the way the world does. God does not look at heritage, rank, wealth or position. He looks for self-giving service.

If you are a leader, what could you do to ensure your leadership reflects the radical servant leadership Jesus is looking for? If you are not a leader, who could you serve your peers around you?

Very soon, the Coronation symbols of power and prestige will be put away. The processions are over. The Crown Jewels will be returned to the Tower of London. The flags will be taken down.

And King Charles will continue to serve his people, as he has done for many years already.

In the same way, we are called to return to our lives to be faithful servants and look for ways to help others.

Next Steps

SB 667 - O master, let me walk with thee

O master, let me walk with thee In lowly paths of service free; Tell me thy secret; help me bear The strain of toil, the fret of care. 2 Help me the slow of heart to move By some clear, winning word of love; Teach me the wayward feet to stay And guide them in the homeward way. 3 Teach me thy patience; still with thee In closer, dearer company, In work that keeps faith sweet and strong, In trust that triumphs over wrong; 4 In hope that sends a shining ray Far down the future?s broadening way, In peace that only thou canst give, For thee, O Master, let me live. Washington Gladden (1836-1918) Copied from The Song Book of The Salvation Army Song Number 667