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The "Upside-Down" Kingdom - September 22, 2024

This Sunday, we’ll dive into a passage from Mark 9:33-37, where Jesus challenges us with a powerful truth: in God's kingdom, greatness looks very different from what we might expect. While the disciples were busy arguing about who among them was the greatest, Jesus sat them down and flipped their understanding on its head, saying, "Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all." He even went so far as to use a child, someone considered powerless in that society, as an example of who we must welcome to truly welcome God. Jesus’ words call us to re-evaluate our lives, priorities, and what we define as success. In many ways, Jesus invites us into an "upside-down" kingdom where the humble are exalted, and those who serve are lifted up as truly great.

As we reflect on this, we'll explore how Christ lived out this teaching in his own life. Jesus didn’t just talk about being a servant, he showed us what it means to serve others, even in the most self-sacrificial ways. 

As you read Mark 9:33-37 this week, consider these questions: 

  1. How do you define greatness in your own life? 
  2. What opportunities do you have to serve others, even when it may go unnoticed? 

I look forward to unpacking this powerful message with you on Sunday.

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