“God’s Servant is Not a Wimp”

Developing the Heart of a Servant

Emmanuel Bible Church

October 20, 2002

Pastor Scott Thielen

Text: Mark 1:14-45

Idea: Jesus served with compassion and conviction, and so should we

Introduction

Hook

Everybody has at one time or another been in dire straights.  Jobs were hard to find, money was tight, and you had to settle for work that was less than desirable. 

~       For example, there was a time in my life when I needed to add a second job to make ends meet.  I paid my own way through college by working.  I bought my own car, paid my own rent, had no one to help me out financially.  It was up to me, so I took a second job as a janitor.  There were times, on my hands and knees cleaning toilets in an office building, when I wanted to be doing anything else.

Let’s take a few moments to share about your experience.  What was the job or position that you had to take, but wished you didn’t need?

Need/Common Ground

You know, a lot of people think of a servant as the person on the low end of the ladder to success.  We look down on servants in our culture.  We think of them as weak, less educated, unsophisticated.  To serve someone else is unnecessary for us.  In fact, we want other people to serve us, don’t we?  We think to ourselves, “How sad that he is working here.  If only he would apply himself, he could get a much better position.”  Being a servant in the USA is thought of as a sign of weakness.

But in God’s world, being a servant isn’t like that at all.  God’s servant is not a wimp.  Jesus is often pictured in the minds of people as being a weak man, a helpless person who got caught in the wrong place at the wrong time.  But God says, “No way!”

Our society is enthralled with popular musicians, professional sports people, movie stars, politicians, etc.  To many people, position is everything.  We never hear about the janitors who clean the opera house, or the people who do the laundry at retirement homes, or the men and women who take care of countless children while their parents work each day.  Why don’t we hear about people like these?  Because our culture doesn’t find anything fascinating about these people.  We want to hear about the super-rich, the super-powerful, the super-achievers.  And yet, notice that without the humble servant whom no one knows, these superstars would not even exist. 

Our stereotype of the servant is that he or she is weak, helpless.  But Jesus shatters that stereotype.  Because in God’s world, it is the servant who is most near to the heart of God.  Does a servant have to be necessarily weak?  Can’t a person serve without being wishy-washy or spineless?

Transition

We’ve just begun a series of messages about how to be God’s servant.  Jesus Christ came to be just that, God’s servant for humanity.  And as we read through Mark’s account of Jesus’ life, we cannot help but see the amazing ways Jesus served God by serving us. 

But that’s not all.  Just as Jesus came to serve us, we are to serve others in His power and in His name.  And that’s not easy to do.  So we continue each week to learn something important about the way Jesus served, and then ask Him to help us follow in His footsteps as we serve one another.

This morning we turn to Mark 1:14. 

Jesus Demonstrates His Authority

Jesus rewrote the book on servanthood.  Because while He came as God’s servant, He didn’t fit the stereotype people expected.  As Jesus began His public ministry, He chose to demonstrate His authority, not His vulnerability.

Let’s take a look at four ways Jesus demonstrated His authority.

1.    Authority Over Destinies (1:14-20)

After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!” As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed him. When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.

Explain

The first thing Jesus does is to exercise His authority over the lives of some fishermen.  It had been about a year since Jesus spent time with Simon and Andrew.  They were curious about this new guy, and so they spent time with Him, getting to know Him.  But they were still fishermen.  We don’t know a lot about their relationship with Jesus over that year, but we do know that they were more and more intrigued with Him.  But today, Jesus drew a line in the sand and challenged them to take another step of faith. 

Now think about this.  Jesus had a plan for these guys.  He gave them a year to let it sink in, but now it was time for more commitment.  And so He begins to reveal that He has a plan for their destinies.  If they would follow Him, Jesus would teach them something far greater than catching fish… He would teach them how to catch people’s hearts.  To make that promise meant that Jesus believed He had the power to do so.

Illustrate

Marine Recruiter—When the recruiting officer sets up his table at the career fair in the high school, he isn’t just killing time.  He has a plan.  He wants students to know that the Marines are the proud, the few.  “The Marines,” he says, “are an outstanding way to grow up, to become an adult.”  And he makes a promise.  “If you will come serve your country for several years, the Marines will pay for your education and teach you skills that will make you a better person for the rest of your life.”  The reason that officer can make that promise is that He speaks with authority.  It has nothing to do with whether the person has a booming voice.  It has everything to do with the authority given him by the Marine Corps.

And that’s the way Jesus came… with authority.  Authority from God the Father to make a promise that would revolutionize the lives of a few fishermen.  Jesus came to serve, but to do so required God’s authority.

Defend

Some people say that the reason these men left their professions and followed Jesus is because He was a charismatic man with an irresistible personality.  People were powerfully drawn to Him.  So He must have been manipulating or deceiving them.

If that’s true, then explain to me why these men and countless others have gone on to give their very lives for the name of Jesus Christ.  When they had nothing to gain, they all stuck to their story.  No, the reason they followed Him had nothing to do with mind games and everything to do with God’s authority.

Apply

Although you and I were not there that day, Jesus has the same authority over our destinies and has made the same promise.  “Follow Me,” He says, “and I will make you fishers of men.”

Transition

Not only does Jesus show His authority over our destinies, He shows us that His authority is infinitely more powerful than that.

2.    Authority Over Demons (1:21-28)

They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law. Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an evil spirit cried out, “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” “Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!” The evil spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek. The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to evil spirits and they obey him.” News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee.

Explain

First, a bit of geography.  Galilee is the area where the city of Capernaum is located.  You’ll notice that the region of Galilee is in the northern part of Israel.  This is where Jesus grew up—in the city of Nazareth—and would spend most of His time over the course of His ministry.

Capernaum, a city of several thousand perhaps, was located in Galilee on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee.  It’s not really a sea—it’s fresh water—but it’s the biggest body of water in that area at about 8 miles wide and 13 miles long.  It sits about 600 feet below sea level, but you’d probably never know it.

In Capernaum, Jesus enters the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and is given an opportunity to speak as was the custom with rabbis.  But when Jesus speaks, a demon responds.

When demons speak, it is an eerie thing.  Because these evil spirits occupy the body of a vulnerable person and use that person’s vocal chords to communicate.  The problem is that the voice doesn’t sound at all natural, because it isn’t.

As Jesus is teaching about God’s plan revealed in the Old Testament, why does this demon suddenly become agitated?  See verse 23.  The demon becomes vocal suddenly because Jesus isn’t just teaching.  There was teaching every day in that synagogue, and we are led to believe that this usually didn’t happen there.  The reason for the demon’s outburst is because of how Jesus is teaching.  He is teaching as one who had authority.  In other words, Jesus was teaching as though He was the one who wrote it.  He was speaking as though God Himself were speaking.  And what does the demon say?  Verse 24.  “What do you want with us?”  “Have you come to destroy us?”  “I know who you are—the Holy One of God!”  At that moment, Jesus sends the demon out of the man to silence it.  The demon clearly knew the identity of Jesus and apparently understood what He had come to do.

Notice the response of the people in verse 27.  “A new teaching—and with authority!  He even gives orders to evil spirits and they obey him.”

The important issue here is not the problem of evil spirits in the world.  That’s a given.  What is important is the fact that Jesus clearly demonstrated His authority to teach as though speaking for God, and to prove that authority by ridding a man of a demonic spirit.

Illustrate

Can you think of any more convincing proof of Jesus’ authority than the eradication of a demon?  When was the last time you confronted a demon?  It’s not something we go looking for, but Jesus was ready for it.

Defend

There are folks who just aren’t convinced that this proves much about Jesus Christ.  They believe the followers of Jesus just made this kind of thing up to enhance His radical teaching.

If that is true—that Jesus was just a nice man but had no real power over evil spirits—then why are there so many stories like this one?  And what about those people in our own generation whose lives were radically changed by Jesus Christ?  How can you discount what is real for so many today?

Apply

We were not there.  We did not see this man or hear this demon speak.  But just as Jesus spoke with authority over demonic forces, He speaks with authority over whatever problems you face right now.  The person is the same, and the authority hasn’t changed.

Transition

First, Jesus showed His authority over our destinies.  Secondly, He showed His authority even over demons.

3.    Authority Over Disease (1:29-34)

As soon as they left the synagogue, they went with James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew. Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told Jesus about her. So he went to her, took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them. That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. The whole town gathered at the door, and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was.

Explain

Now Mark wants us to see that Jesus’ authority extends even to disease.  Diseases of every kind. 

First they go to the home of Simon Peter and his brother Andrew.  Peter, obviously married, brings Jesus home to see his ailing mother-in-law.  Here’s proof that some men actually want to help their mothers-in-law.  Anyway, she is in bed with a fever. 

Today we take for granted the medications that help us deal with things like fevers.  But at that time, it’s very possible that this fever was quite serious. 

Jesus goes to her bed, takes her hand, and helps her up on her feet.  Somewhere in the process of helping her up, the fever completely leaves her.  But I want you to notice that the miracle is not just that the fever immediately disappeared, but also that her strength was immediately restored.  She begins immediately serving her guests.

Mark goes on to describe the scene later that evening as people with all kinds of diseases and demons come for help.  You can just imagine the scene as many, many people are crowded around the door to the house as Jesus compassionately and literally touches lives.

Illustrate

Being Healed—If you have ever been seriously ill—or have been close to someone who was—you understand how desperate a person can feel.  There comes a point where you would do almost anything to relieve the pain and suffering.  Imagine the hope you would feel if you heard about someone able to heal people, and read the stories about actual healings.  And imagine how you would feel if you or your loved one was instantly healed of a physical problem.  What would your opinion be?  Would you be convinced that the healer had greater authority than other people?  Of course you would.

Defend

There are people in our world who claim to be healers as well.  The only problem is that these supposed healings are always difficult to document and verify.  There are two things that set Jesus apart from everyone else when it comes to physical healing.

1.      First, Jesus healed instantaneously.  Many supposed healers today wait and hope for a person’s condition to change.  But we can see that true healing happens immediately.  No waiting needed.

2.      Second, Jesus came healing for a specific reason.  It was to fulfill the promises God made through the prophets.  The Messiah would come healing, not to eliminate all disease from the world, but to demonstrate that He was God’s chosen servant.  If God wanted us to have healers today, they would be walking through hospital wards putting HMOs out of business.  The day is coming when Christ will return and disease will be eliminated and healing will be complete.  But for now, God’s purpose is not to take away all our problems, but to show us that Jesus came for us!  We are called to come to Him as children come to a loving father.  We are given the promise that because He is loving and merciful, He understands our deepest needs and will never leave us alone. 

Apply

As you apply this to your own life, you need to ask yourself, “Do I really believe that God has the power to do away with disease?”  and if I believe that, am I willing to trust that He knows just the right time to offer healing?  May God give each of us the grace we need to face our problems and go through them rather than around them if He calls us to.  The Lord is your shepherd.  Let Him walk with you.

Transition

First, Jesus showed His authority over our destinies.  Secondly, He showed His authority even over demons.  Then He showed His authority over even disease.  And now, He shows His authority over one more challenge.

4.    Authority Over Distractions (1:35-39)

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!” Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.” So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.

Explain

Mark tells us that Jesus got up very early after that long, tiring day, and got away to spend some time alone.  Why?  To read the paper in peace?  To slip the headphones on and enjoy some peaceful music before the day got going?  No.  Jesus got away in order to pray.

Do you ever feel defeated about your consistency in prayer?  It’s one of the hardest things to keep going.  Here is Jesus, God the Son, getting up before the sun is even out in order to pray.  And if the Son of God needs to pray, and goes to that much effort to make it happen, don’t you think we ought to pay attention here?

I believe the secret to being more consistent in our prayer life is found right here.  What do you think He was praying about?  Does Mark tell us what Jesus was praying about?  Yes, he does.  Notice that after the disciples track Jesus down, they say, “Hey, you were so impressive yesterday that the crowd has already started gathering.  This is really cool.  Everybody is coming out to see you today.  Isn’t that awesome?  This is going to be great!”

The problem with the disciples is that they didn’t understand Jesus’ reason for healing.  Jesus came for a reason.  Remember in verse 15 what Jesus’ message was?  “The time has come.  The kingdom of God is near.  Repent and believe the good news!”

We know what Jesus was praying about by the response He gives the disciples.  He turns to them and says in verse 38, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also.  That is why I have come.”

In other words, Jesus didn’t come to open a healing shop in Capernaum.  He didn’t come to have people build a great ministry in His honor.  That would all come later through the faithful work of His followers.  No, Jesus came as God’s servant, to announce that the time had come.  God was answering the prayers of countless people.  And that’s why Jesus had come.  Everything else was simply a distraction from His mission as God’s servant.

Illustrate

UPS Deliveries—At one time I delivered packages for United Parcel Service.  Imagine what my day would have been like if I was distracted from my route.  I’m driving along the road on my way to deliver the first package when I see some people sitting at a bus stop.  Being compassionate, I think to myself, “I have a big truck.  I could help a lot of people out if I gave them all rides right now.”  So I take all the boxes out, stack them along the road, and invite all the people to pile in.  And so I spend my day driving people all over the city. 

Now what’s wrong with that?  Isn’t that a noble thing to do?  Weren’t those people in need?  Of course it was a good thing to do, but it was also the wrong thing to do.  Why?  Because I had a mission to accomplish.  My mission was to deliver packages, not to transport people.

Jesus came with a mission to accomplish.  And it did not involve becoming a full-time healer.  It involved getting the news out that God has sent His servant at the perfect time.  Now is the day of salvation.

Apply

You may be torn between what God wants you to do and what you want to do.  No doubt, a lot of things are distracting you right now from what God has in mind for you.  Don’t settle for something good when you can have what is best.

Transition

First, Mark tells us that Jesus showed His authority over our destinies.  Secondly, He showed His authority even over demons.  Then He showed His authority over even disease.  And finally, He shows His authority over distractions.

My World

What we can learn from Jesus’ experience is helpful for us today.  Two important lessons stand out.

How to Be a Servant Without Becoming a Wimp

In every one of these situations we read about, Jesus is clearly God’s servant.  But in each case, His service is marked by two distinguishing characteristics.  Mark concludes chapter one with this final example of Christ’s authority as God’s servant.

A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.” Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cured. Jesus sent him away at once with a strong warning: “See that you don’t tell this to anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.” Instead he went out and began to talk freely, spreading the news. As a result, Jesus could no longer enter a town openly but stayed outside in lonely places. Yet the people still came to him from everywhere." (Mark 1:40-45, NIV)

You need to understand what really happened here.  This man was a leper.  He had a form of skin disease that made him stand out in the community.  He was an outcast.  Nobody wanted to get close to him for fear of contracting the disease.  Imagine what it would feel like to have AIDS today and have people be afraid of getting too close.  But this man, regardless of his physical condition, was spiritually ready for what God would do.  He came to Jesus and affirmed that he believed Jesus could heal him.  And in that moment, Jesus serves God how?  By yelling at this guy and telling him to get away, to keep his distance because Jesus was on a mission and couldn’t afford to contract a disease that would cut that short?  No.  Jesus does the unthinkable.  He reaches out and touches the man.  Imagine how many years it had been since this guy had any physical touch form another human being.  He was shunned.  But Jesus reaches out to touch him, and says, “I am willing.  Be clean!”  And immediately the man is healed.  Afterwards, Jesus carefully instructs the man to report to the priests and follow the detailed guidelines found in Leviticus for restoring one who has been healed of this kind of disease.

Two Ways to Serve

I want you to notice the two ways Jesus serves. 

1.      Serve with Compassion

First, He serves with compassion.  This man was desperate, and Jesus serves God by showing compassion for someone so helpless.

§         Be careful here.  Serving which is driven only by compassion is weak and wimpy.  Often times such service is because a person is trying to fill an emptiness in his own life by focusing on someone else.  That’s not the right reason to serve, for what you feel. 

2.      Serve with Conviction

Second, Jesus serves with conviction.  His decision to heal is not about popularity, but about purpose.  He serves God by demonstrating His authority over everything, even leprosy.

§         Once again, be careful.  Serving only with conviction will be harsh and hard to bear.  The result is a person preoccupied with getting a job done rather than helping people.

Restatement

Jesus is God’s servant.  And part of His serving involved demonstrating His authority over our lives.  But He did so with compassion.

Visualization

§         Imagine how your life would be different if you saw yourself as God’s servant, and looked for ways to help other people. 

§         Imagine how you would change the way you use your time if you saw people with the same compassion Jesus does. 

§         Imagine also how clearly you would stick to God’s purpose in your life if you had the same conviction that Jesus does.

Application

What we learn from Jesus is that both compassion and conviction are important in serving with strength.  Jesus was a servant who cared, but He was also a servant who knew what was right and wrong and stuck to His purpose.

So, let’s think about that.  How does this apply to you?

• As you think about the things you do everyday in life, when do you have opportunity to serve people?  In the morning at breakfast?  On the way to work or school?  At breaks and lunch times?  In the evenings?  When are you a servant?
• And when you serve others, what kind of servant are you?  What’s your attitude like?  Are you compassionate, helping others because you care about them and know they need your help?  Or are you motivated by conviction?  Do you care more about doing what’s right than caring for someone’s needs?

Let’s remember that like Jesus, we need to serve with strength.  We need to serve others with both compassion and conviction.  Serve, but do it for the right reasons.

~       I used to ask God to help me. Then I asked if I might help him. I ended up by asking him to do his work through me.  JAMES HUDSON TAYLOR (1832–1905)

Next Week

Part 3—“God’s Servant is Often Misunderstood” (Mark 2:1-3:35)