“While everyone was marvelling at all that Jesus did, he said to his disciples, 44 “Listen carefully to what I am about to tell you: The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men.” 45 But they did not understand this statement; its meaning had been concealed from them, so that they could not grasp it. Yet they were afraid to ask him about this statement. 46Now an argument started among the disciples as to which of them might be the greatest. 47 But when Jesus discerned their innermost thoughts, he took a child, had him stand by his side, 48 and said to them, “Whoever welcomes this child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me, for the one who is least among you all is the one who is great.”” Luke 9:43-48 NET
God, Lord of all,
An argument or reasoning, dispute, questioning? Anyway it was among the disciples. Well they were 12 men living in close proximity . . . and three sometimes went off with Jesus without the rest of them . . . Were they thought to be more special? Jesus may not have heard it all but knew their inmost thoughts and the reasoning behind them! You, God, know us so well. We. like the disciples, do not always understand and it does sometimes lead to disagreements. But Jesus says that is no excuse . . . we are not to become childish, jealous and petty . . . but be respectful, encouraging and humble.
There are times when a small group is better than a large one! Is that why Jesus chose Peter, James and John on occasions? Or was it was about preparing them for the future. Jesus turned greatness on its head and mixed with lepers and beggars and tax collectors. He lived what he preached and loved His neighbour as Himself.. He did not need accolade, self importance or fame. He taught by example. He wanted them to see people with their hearts as people, not as social position and standing. To serve all.
We are all different, unique and You love and value each one of us. You do not see people as more important than one another. Keep us from petty jealousy and needing to measure ourselves against others. Help us to appreciate each other, not think too much of ourselves, and build each other up.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen
Lord of all,
We pray,
For all our family, friends, neighbours, and our church family. For those who have health needs, employment needs or need to know You.
For ministers, pastors, congregations and all that is done by those belonging to churches. For all those who work to support our local community.
For our Government, that we would see it become the best it can be.
For our King and Queen and their family and the stability of our nation.
For Gaza and the Middle East, Lord a miracle, a pause leading to a new peace.
For Putin and Ukraine. A full stop, an end to war, conflict and bloodshed.
For those in the midst of conflict, to have hope and a future and hear of Your love.
For all those who serve family, community, nation. Carers, armed forces, emergency services.
For food banks, warm spaces, lunch clubs. Charities who help and support those in need both financially and emotionally. All those who willingly volunteer to serve.
For ourselves, for Your blessing today and to be at peace with ourselves and those around us.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Tuesday 21st November 2023
Oh kneel me down again
Here at Your feet
Show me how much You love humility
Oh Spirit be the star that leads me to
The humble heart of love I see in You
[Chorus]
You are the God of the broken
The friend of the weak
You wash the feet of the weary
Embrace the ones in need
I want to be like You, Jesus
To have this heart in me
You are the God of the humble
You are the humble King
Lyrics: Brenton Brown