September 13, 2015

Breaking Open the Scripture Scriptures for September 13th: Proverbs 1:20-33; Psalm 19; James 3:1-12; Mark 8:27-38; Theme: obeying the rules of goodness; song: Be thou my vision UMH 451 James: We are in our third week of lessons from James. This is a timely message because it about teachers. As school starts, we need to pray for our teachers. That they do not take their role in vain. When we take on the mantle of being a Christian, we are all teachers. Someone is watching us as an example of what it means to follow God, so we all need to take heed to James message. Mind what you say and know that it makes a difference. Small words can make all of the difference in the world. Small words can make a difference in our relationships. Small words can make a difference in the people we are around. As a teacher we have to be in tune with the small words that we say – and make sure that they are words of love. Mark: This is a continuation of the lesson from last week. Last week Jesus shows us what it means to love and heal others. Today Jesus gives another message to his disciples. A much harsher word – that yes he is the messiah, he does everything well, everyone loves what the messiah does. And yet these same people will kill and crucify the messiah. When we do good for others, we cannot always wait for the good to be returned. We cant expect that we will be appreciated. If they did not appreciate Jesus, they will not appreciate us. But if we are able to endure, we will receive Christ reward in heaven. He will call us his followers and his friends. When we don’t do the right thing he will be ashamed of us and leave us hanging. Questions: Who considers you to be a teacher in their life? Are you careful in your words to that person? Who had said words that really hurt you? How have you been able to heal from that experience? What does it mean that Jesus is the Christ? How are you following him? How are you taking up your cross today?