In Meekness and Humility - Mark 6:1-13

Mark 6:1-13 In Meekness and Humility 2019-10-20 Serve Christ in meekness and humility “For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”” 1 Corinthians 1:26–31 This is a lesson hard for us to learn. In fact, throughout the earthly ministry of Jesus it seems that a great deal of the training of his disciples centered around lessons of humility and servant-leadership. They wanted to be great. What they didn’t understand is that God’s economy works differently than the world’s, and the way to greatness is through meekness and humility. And, while it might be easy to point the finger at the disciples as we observe their backward standards, I think we’d all need to admit that the same standards are naturally wired into us and that it’s a work of God to turn our worlds upside down. Scripture Passage: Mark 6:1-13 How is God’s mission accomplished in this world? Through superstars and superheroes, or through the regular Joe and ordinary Sally? Our passage of study this morning is one that, God willing, will teach us to Serve Christ in meekness and humility. From Astonishment to Offense (vv.1-6) 1. v.1 “He went away from there and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him.” - Last week we learned of the small seed faith of Jairus and the woman. Their small seed faith accomplished huge things in their lives. But in the passage before us this morning we have what stands in stark contrast. 1. Hometown of Nazareth - Now the scene is set for Jesus’ homecoming, his return to the place of his boyhood, the place of his family and occupation. 2. His disciples followed him. Peter, James, and John were the only 3 disciples allowed to visit the home of Jairus with Jesus, but no doubt they shared the miraculous raising of Jairus’ daughter from death with the other disciples. 1. They would soon be sent out by him. But going out for Jesus first requires following near to Jesus. 2. v.2 “…and many who heard him were astonished…” - Astonishment was a regular response to Jesus’ teaching. His disciples were greatly astonished when he told them it was easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than it is for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 19:25). But not only what Jesus taught, but how; people were astonished by the authority of his teaching (Luke 4:32). 1. Wisdom - The wisdom Jesus possessed was astonishing. 2. Mighty works - The mighty works Jesus could accomplish were astonishing. But here there begins to be a turn. 3. Carpenter - Humble occupation, either in wood or possibly stone. I don’t think it’s that they looked down on carpenters (rabbis had a trade, like Paul the tent-maker, and craftsman were highly regarded in the construction of the Tabernacle), but that they didn’t expect such wisdom and mighty works from one. 4. Son of Mary - This is one of those comments open to interpretation. Is it an insult, or a simple statement? Typically, people were referred to as sons of their fathers. I don’t think they’re indicating their belief in the virgin birth of Jesus. It’s highly likely that Joseph has died, so it could be that they’re just referring to his living parent, but this isn’t even typical. I think it’s that they’re insulting Jesus by stating their belief about his being conceived out of wedlock. 3. v.3 “And they took offense at him.” - This is the opposite of belief. We get our English word “scandal” from this. 1. Romans 9:33 “as it is written, ‘Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense; and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.’” 1 Peter 2:7–8 “So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe, ‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,’ and ‘A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense.’” Here is Jesus, the chief cornerstone of the church, and he is being rejected by his own people. 4. v.6 “And he marveled because of their unbelief.” - This is to be amazed, to be astonished. The unbelief of these people is unbelievable. Here the chief cornerstone is present before them, teaching with authority, full of wisdom and working mighty works. And they stumble. They’re offended. They refuse and reject him. A Multiplying of Meek Mission (vv.7-13) 1. v.7 “And he called the twelve and began to send them out two by two…” - I want you to understand, this isn’t Jesus realizing he needs to change tactics after being rejected in Nazareth. This was part of his plan all along. 1. Mark 3:14–15 “And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach and have authority to cast out demons.” 2. vv.8-10 “He charged them to take nothing for their journey except a staff…” - A walking stick and sandals were all that was permitted. The disciples were being sent out in meekness and in humility. 1. No bread, so that they would be dependent on God to give them their daily bread. 2. No bag, which was likely a beggar’s bag, so that they wouldn’t be going around with open hands begging from others. Those of you familiar with Brother Andrew and God’s Smuggler might remember his talking about “The Royal Way”, that God provides for his children in a kingly manner, not in a groveling way. 3. They weren’t to take money, lest they be tempted to circumvent faith with finances. 4. Nor were they to put on two tunics, which would’ve provided an extra layer of warmth if they spent a night sleeping outside. Instead they were to gratefully accept whatever accommodations were provided to them, not looking for nicer lodging or a softer bed, but staying with their first host until they depart from the area. 5. Some of you in our Community Group have recently heard me talk about a friend, Austin, who was always ready with one question - “What’s the Lord doing in your life?” Austin was a student in the School of Ministry one year before me, and on a trip to Mexico he and another learned the hard lesson of “when the bus is moving, be on it.” They had stopped for fuel somewhere in Mexico, and Austin and another student went to visit the baño. When they came out, the bus was gone. They had miles to go and no way to call for help. As they walked alongside the road and talked about their predicament they came to a bridge, where Austin asked if the other student had any pesos. The other student did, and handed them to Austin, who promptly threw them off the bridge exclaiming, “Now we’re trusting God!” 6. In life and ministry we are to rely on the provision of God, to see him work providentially. For example, last week a group of us met at Jason and Amanda’s home to talk about a missions trip to Guatemala, to go down and work with an orphanage we have a local connection with and helped support through VBS this summer. I know that in my home we haven’t carefully budgeted for a trip like this and set aside funds designated for it, but are prayerfully considering who from our family might go and how God might provide. If we’re only taking on what we can accomplish on our own, how is our faith being expressed? That might mean taking steps of faith toward going on a missions trip, or it might mean taking steps of faith to express love toward a person hard to love, or taking difficult steps of obedience to what God has called you to do. Our faith in Christ should direct and inform our decisions and actions - all of them. 3. v.11 “And if any place will not receive you and they will not listen to you…” - What happened when Jesus went to his hometown and preached? He was rejected. That wasn’t all of his ministry, but there was both acceptance and rejection. What should his disciples expect as they go out? Likely both acceptance and rejection. This is a mission of meekness and humility. 1. John 15:20 “Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours.” 2. Remember that rejection of the messenger is ultimately rejection of the One who sent the message. Also remember that God has called you to faithfulness, and he is the One who produces fruitfulness through your faithful efforts (1 Cor. 3:6). 4. vv.12-13 “So they went out and proclaimed that people should repent.” - They were obedient, and God blessed their works of faith. They cast out many demons and healed many sick. And notice what the focus is - not God’s provision for their temporal needs, but God’s work for the eternal needs of those they were ministering to. God did provide for them, and in their ministry of meekness and humility he worked through them. Conclusion: Jeremiah 9:23–24 “Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.”” God does and will continue to work powerfully through those who understand the Lord, know the Lord, and draw near to the Lord. Serve him in meekness and humility, and watch him work mightily. y l i m Fa Table Talk October 20, 2019 GOD’S TRUTH Serve Christ in meekness and humility! Family Discussion & Bible Searching 1. It is not hard for us to marvel at the miraculous works of Jesus. He healed the sick, raised the dead, opened the eyes of the blind, fed thousands, cast out demons, taught with authority from God; this is not the work of a mere man, but God himself. But still, not all received Him and believed in Him. Not only that, He was accused of wrong, seen as offensive, scoffed at, threatened, even hated. But Christ was faithful to fulfill the will of His Father in heaven. He knew these things would happen, but He with great authority He fulfilled His ministry with meekness and humility. Key Verse 2. In accordance with His perfect plan, Jesus sent out the apostles to preach the the gospel. They were to rely completely on faith to provide their needs, physical and “For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth.” 1 Corinthians 1:26 spiritual. What about you? Have you been sent to bring the message of the gospel to those around you? What do you think you need to carry this out? How are you received by those you tell? How do you respond? Read the Scriptures: John 1:10-13; Isaiah 53:3; Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 6:7-13; Matthew 5:11-12; 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 “And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” - Deuteronomy 6:6-9 (ESV) Scripture Memory: Exodus 20:7