Lesson: It is easy to serve God
Bible Passage: Mark 9:38-50
This is a good passage especially if you have boys, because it talks about eye-gouging and dismemberment and says “hell” three times. What boy wouldn’t love it?
Have the message “Be Helpful” printed and glued it on magnets. Business card or larger magnets can be had cheaply at your hardware or craft store.
Here is the Biblical text, followed by the Moment:
“Teacher,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us.” “Do not stop him,” Jesus said. “For no one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, for whoever is not against us is for us. Truly I tell you, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to the Messiah will certainly not lose their reward. If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them if a large millstone were hung around their neck and they were thrown into the sea. If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out. And if your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than to have two feet and be thrown into hell. And if your eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell, where “‘the worms that eat them do not die, and the fire is not quenched.’[ Everyone will be salted with fire. “Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with each other.”
Were you listening to that Bible passage? That’s a good one, isn’t it? It says nobody should get in your way or they’ll be thrown into the ocean. And if you disobey Jesus, you’ll should gouge out your eyes or cut off your hands and feet. And you get to hear the word “hell” three times!
But just so you know, Jesus doesn’t want you to ever hurt yourself in any way. What he wants you to do is good things. Here is a list from the Bible of what you should do:
Love God with all your heart, mind, body, and soul.
Love your Neighbor as you love yourself
Have no other gods before Me.
Not make idols.
Not take the name of the LORD your God in vain.
Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
Honor your father and your mother.
Don’t murder.
Don’t cheat.
Don’t steal
Don’t lie
Don’t be envious
Act justly
Love mercy
Walk humbly with your God.
Love God with all your heart, mind, body, and soul.
You know, that’s a very long list. Let me make it simpler for us. If you want to live the life Jesus wants you to live, Be Helpful.
It’s that simple. And as a reminder, I made this magnet you can put on your refrigerators at home or your desk or locker at school or anywhere else you want. And I know that, with this reminder, you will do what Jesus wants you to do, because I know you are a Child of God.
Presented September 27, 2015 at Bethany Presbyterian Church, Sacramento CA