Message: “Disciples: Humble and Generous” from Rev. Ken Green

Jesus leads us to see a sharp contrast between those who are outwardly religious, using a religious façade to mask their desire for recognition, power, and pursuit of self-interest (the teachers of the law); and those who are devoted to following God, living generous lives of service and sacrifice, exemplified by the poor widow who gives to God everything—all that she had to live on. In many ways, the faithful widow to whom Jesus points reminds us of Jesus himself: Jesus perfectly fulfilled all the requirements of the law. His life of humble service to others did not cater to any self-serving interest, for He “did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). By His sacrifice for all humanity, Jesus gave Himself so completely, all so that we would be completely His. In what ways might Jesus need to get behind your façade to move you from being “religious” to being an authentic and genuine Jesus-follower? In what ways is God calling you this week to give sacrificially and generously in order to serve others like Jesus did?

Scripture References: Mark 12:38-44

More Messages from Ken Green

From Series: "The Marks of Jesus' Disciples"

At the heart of being Christian, there is this core concept of following Jesus. The disciple follows his or her master, imitating the master and learning along the way. The church is in the disciple-making business, connecting people to Jesus and leading them in the process of walking in His ways. This discipleship process is never completed for any of us in this life—we are continually learning and growing as we follow Jesus until He brings us to our heavenly home. • What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus, a Christ-follower? • What are the core marks of those who follow Jesus faithfully? What does being a disciple look like? • How are disciples shaped and formed as they continue to walk with Jesus? And we always remember that God’s design is not to make us out to be “cookie-cutter Christians”—rather, discipleship is a process, a life-long learning adventure. It is, at its core, the art of following Jesus every day, knowing that Jesus has promised to be with us always, expecting that we will “bear much fruit” as we remain in Him and He remains in us.