The Peacemaking Neighbor

James 3:13–18, Mark 9:33–37

Summary: These passages highlight the importance of wisdom, humility, and peacemaking in the Christian life.

Application: This sermon can help Christians recognize the value of humility, seek wisdom from God, and actively pursue peace in their relationships with others. It can also challenge them to be willing to take the lowly position of a servant, just as Jesus exemplified in His ministry.

Teaching: True wisdom is shown through humility and peacemaking, as exemplified by Jesus. It emphasizes that being a peacemaker involves serving others and seeking reconciliation, even when it is most difficult.

How this passage could point to Christ: Jesus as the ultimate Peacemaker, who humbly served others and brought reconciliation between God and humanity through His sacrificial death on the cross.

Big Idea: Christians can reflect the character of Christ through humility, wisdom, and peacemaking, and bring reconciliation in their relationships, following His example. True greatness is found in serving our neighbors and seeking peace.

Recommended Study: Explore the themes of wisdom and humility in Proverbs using Logos.

Study Jesus' teachings on servant leadership in the Gospels to better grasp the significance of serving others in the Kingdom of God.

Finally, delve into Paul's exhortations on unity and peace in his letters to the early churches for practical insights on fostering harmony within the body of Christ.

1. Earthly Wisdom leads to Chaos

James 3:15-16

The contrast between earthly and heavenly wisdom, emphasizing that envy and selfish ambition, which lead to disorder, are contrary to the peace that Christ brings.

The Lie: I am wise because I know such and such, and I have the practical experience to prove it.

Incomplete: Your “wise” ways may have benefited you alone but destroyed others. Your experience is limited to your self.

Only God is truly infinite.

Only God is truly good.

Without the wisdom of God, we are easily prone to chaos, to destroy others out of envy and ambition.

Even the evil knows who God is and that God has all the power but uses that experience to destroy anyone who seems better off than they are.

Adam and Eve (and the lie of withheld knowledge)

Cain and Abel

Isaac and Ishmael

Joseph and his brothers

This disease of envy and selfish ambition destroys God-breathed person after person.

While, truly divine wisdom promotes peace that welcomes and nurtures new life.

2. Godly Wisdom is born with Humility & results in a Gentle nature

James 3:13-14

Divine wisdom is marked by acts of good conduct and works done with gentleness born of wisdom, even in moments of correction.

To be Bitter is to be hostile. To be zealous is to impassioned, full of energy. Bitter zeal is to be full of hostile energy, when it is released, it causes harm, even death. No such hostile energy can give life.

True Christian zeal is the flame of love, the spark of life.

True wisdom, along with faith, is shown through words and actions.

Godly wisdom leads to peacemaking, which is reflected in Christ's humble service.

Consider the life of Nelson Mandela, whose wisdom was reflected not just in his intellect but in his actions and demeanor. Despite spending 27 years in prison for speaking out against apartheid in South Africa, he emerged not with bitterness but a call for reconciliation. His gentle nature and commitment to justice helped to transform a nation, proving that true wisdom is demonstrated through good conduct and a compassionate spirit.

3. Wisdom's Peaceful Harvest

James 3:17-18

The characteristics of Godly wisdom: pure, peaceable, gentle, yielding, merciful, and bearing good fruit.

When James wrote, “the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace,” means a truly good life can only be grown in an environment of peace.

Peace in the heart bears fruit. That fruit is shown externally as good works, especially good works that share that sense of peace.

James recognized these characteristics in affirming his belief in Jesus as the Messiah. An amazing affirmation considering he was a brother of Jesus.

We can pursue peace daily, by mirroring the reconciling work of Christ.

4. Misunderstood Greatness Mended

Mark 9:33-34

Jesus’ greatness had been revealed to them on the mountain, but even in the moment the misunderstood his greatness, having compared him to Moses and Elijah. And, it had ended when God commanded them to listen to Jesus his Son.

On the way home to Capernaum, the disciples were again arguing. But, Jesus did not berate his disciples for arguing.

He waited until they returned home to ask about it.

But, when he asked not one of them wanted to tell him. They remained silent.

Then, Jesus sat down and had them all sit near him as he revealed what was in their hearts, an immature argument about who was the greatest disciple.

Jesus had prophesied his death several times before his transfiguration. Now that it seemed to be becoming real, they wanted to know who would have authority over the others when he was gone.

This conversation would only serve to end by alienating all the others.

Isaiah 32:12-18

Prophesied that in the day of the Messiah, the Spirit of God would be poured out on his people and bear justice and the fruit of righteousness even in the wilderness.

Righteousness produces peace, quietness/stillness, and trust.

Prov. 11:18-19

Those who sow righteousness receive the reward of life.

Christ's modeled complete servant leadership, even to the point of death. Because of this perfect obedience, he was glorified and made the way for us to receive eternal life through him.

So, we must persevere in faith in Christ that leads us to righteousness and is revealed through good works.

5. Servant Leadership's Summit

Mark 9:35-37

Here, Jesus reminds them that following will require the humility of a servant’s heart and active service.

Jesus demonstrated this by presenting a child to them declaring that welcoming and serving them is as if they welcome and serve God.

We do well to Remember that Welcoming and serving our neighbors is welcoming and serving God.

Making peace with our humble place before God will enables us to make and restore peace with others that they might know the goodness of God.

Application:

In your home, you might be experiencing conflict with a family member about household responsibilities. Try approaching the conversation with humility. Openly ask them how they feel and share your thoughts while actively listening. This shows that you value their perspective and fosters a peaceful atmosphere. Consider suggesting a family meeting to discuss everyone's feelings and come to mutual agreements on how to share responsibilities.

In your workplace, if you notice a coworker struggling and colleagues criticizing them for it, consider taking a stand for humility. Step in to offer support by suggesting a lunch break where you might help them with their tasks. By demonstrating empathy instead of judgment, you’ll promote a culture of collaboration over competition, and you might be surprised how it fosters a peaceful and encouraging work atmosphere.

While navigating public spaces or community events, you may encounter divisive topics that can lead to heated arguments with strangers. Instead of engaging in conflict, actively choose to approach such conversations with humility. When discussing differing opinions, listen intently and respond gently, focusing instead on common values and the intent to understand rather than to argue. Volunteer as a mediator in community discussions, fostering an environment where diverse views can be addressed peacefully.