6. “Lessons in discipleship”                                                                          Mark 6:30-44

                                                                                                                                 (8:1-10)

1.  LEARN HOW TO CARE

 

1.  Learn to be unselfish

 

a) Self-concern, self-preservation plays strong part in life

 

b) We couldn’t have a better teacher of unselfishness than Jesus

            i) He was unselfish with His time (1:21-39)

                        vs. 21-28 - in synagogue - healing

                             29-34 - in Peter’s house - healing

                             32-34 - after sunset - still healing

                             35-37 - very early next morning - praying

                             38-39 - goes throughout Galilee

            ii) He was unselfish with His spiritual resources

                 cf. 5:30; therefore prayer was vital (1:35)

                 His attitude is summarised in 10:45

 

c) Are there signs of selfishness in the disciples?

    cf. vs.35,36,37

 

2.  Learn to be alert to people’s needs

 

a) Jesus sets the pattern (6:30,31,34)

 

b) Jesus’ compassion involves action

            i)   Teaching (34)

            ii)  Healing (Matt. 14:14)

            iii. Feeding (41,42)

  See 1:41; 6:34; 8:2; Matt. 20:34; Lk. 7:13; 10:33; 15:20

 

c) Learn to have open eyes

 

3.  Learn to go on caring

 

a) Jesus again sets the pattern (8:1-10; Lk. 7:13; Matt. 20:34; Jn. 19:26,27)

 

b) There’s no set quota for the day

 

c) Keep the balance (30, 31)

TALKING POINTS

 

6.  LEARN HOW TO CARE                                                                        Mark 6:30-44

                                                                                                                                  (8:1-10)

 

 

1.  In what areas of life does selfishness frequently surface in our western world?  Think about the influence of the advertising media, a consumer oriented society, the emphasis on acquiring things: money, luxuries, etc.

 

What is its effect on society?

 

2.  Why is selfishness fundamentally un-Christian?  Note the significance of `selfish ambition’ being included in the `acts of the sinful nature’ (Gal. 5:19-21).  What other characteristics in these verses are tinged with selfishness?  A related word `greed’, figures in Col. 3:5,6. what does Paul say that the Christian’s attitude is to be?

 

3.  Unselfishness is written right across Jesus’ life.  Go through a typical day with Jesus in Mark 1:21-39 to see how He unselfishly gave His time and energy.  Mark 10:45 sums it up.

 

4.  Draw up a list of people in your church or among your contacts who need help.  Identify their needs and plan practical ways of meeting them. 

 

5.  Often in a church the task of `caring’ falls on just a few shoulders.  Note who these people are and see if there are ways in which their caring roles might be shared. 

 

Often pastors, elders and deacons find themselves faced with more needs than they can readily cope with - and many of their counselling roles are confidential, and can’t be shared.  Are there tasks that they could delegate?  Take steps to find out.

 

What measures can be taken to ensure that they get the breaks and rest that they need?

 

6.  Information: seminars and courses on various aspects of caring are run by Care and Counsel, St. Mary Magdalene Church, Holloway Road, London N7 8LT.  Tel. 0207 609 4545.  Brochures are available on request.