Being God’s Servants

Open with Prayer: God, we thank you for this time together, for the technology that makes it possible, and the hearts that connect us. Be with us as we travel, join us in this journey, and help us see and hear you always. Amen.

Read: Mark 9:38-41

John said to him, ‘Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.’ But Jesus said, ‘Do not stop him; for no one who does a deed of power in my name will be able soon afterwards to speak evil of me. Whoever is not against us is for us. For truly I tell you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you bear the name of Christ will by no means lose the reward.

Ask: Why were the disciples upset?

Who do you know that serves Jesus?

In what ways do they serve Jesus?
(encourage a lot of variety in the answers. For example, people who fix cars can serve Jesus, people who empty the trash can serve Jesus, etc) 

In what ways to WE serve Jesus?
(help them see the many ways in which they serve Jesus.  Helping out at home, helping people in need, playing nicely with friends and siblings, etc) 

Say: Jesus reminded his disciples that no matter who someone is, what they believe, or where they’re from, they can serve God.  They don’t need to be members of a specific church, they don’t need to be approved by anyone but God. 

When we do good things for other people we are doing them for Jesus, too.  It doesn’t matter if it’s a big favor or a small act of kindness, every good deed honors God

Ask: How can we serve God today?

Finish with Prayer:

God, Thank you for another day where we can serve you.
God today we thank you for: (something or someone you’re grateful for)
God today we need your help with: (something hard or difficult you need to do)
God today please be with: (someone who may be sick, sad, or hurt)
We ask all this in Jesus’ name.
Amen