War Within – Week 4
When Pastor Jayson began the message on Jealousy, he started by saying, “Jealousy is the one emotion we somehow universally convince ourselves that we left behind in Middle School.”
What was everyone’s initial thought to that statement during the service?
Read Mark 9:30-35 They…passed through Galilee. Jesus did not want anyone to know where they were because he was teaching his disciples. He said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise.” But they did not understand what he meant and were afraid to ask him about it. They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the road?” But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest. Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.”
Why do you think it’s more difficult for the apostles to tell Jesus what they were talking about? How does that play out with us?
***For Leaders – Anger or frustration are emotions we will more readily wear on our sleeve, whereas, jealousy can become more of a blind spot like it was for the apostles. Quick review of how this plays out below at the last supper again.
Read Luke 22:14-15, 24 When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer…[After they broke bread and drank the cup] A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. 25 Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. 26 But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. 27 For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.
How patient are you when you see jealousy arise in others? Especially, when you’ve already had a conversation about it?
What are our takeaways from Jesus response to the apostles?
***For Leaders – This conversation about who would be greatest keeps erupting after Jesus says that HE IS GOING TO SUFFER AND DIE. It’s one thing to have the patience to re-teach a lesson to people when they are bickering, however in Jesus’ case, it’s a another level of patience required when the people are talking themselves up about being great when you are about to do the greatest thing ever. Jealousy causes blind spots and it’s difficult to admit when you are in the midst of it.
What are some of your other biggest takeaways and challenges from today’s message?