Community Group Resources

James and John may have the worst timing in the Gospels. Jesus is walking ahead of his disciples up the road to Jerusalem, and Mark says the ones following are afraid. For the third time, Jesus tells the Twelve what is waiting for him there: he will be handed over, mocked, flogged, and killed. Then James and John walk up and say, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” They have just heard the word killed, and the next thing out of their mouths is a request for a promotion. What they ask for is the best seats in his kingdom, one on his right and one on his left (Mark 10:32-37).

Two weeks ago we started this series with Scripture, where God speaks to us. Last week was prayer, where we answer as children who depend on the Father. This week the practice leaves the quiet room. Scripture and prayer can stay private, but service gets tested in public, where our neighbors can see it. Trusting God’s Word is easy over coffee. You find out what you believe when someone needs a ride on a Tuesday night.

That’s why service matters more than it first sounds. A neighbor may never read your Bible or hear you pray, but they will notice who showed up with a meal, who stayed late to stack the chairs, and who drove across town without being asked. Whatever they end up concluding about Jesus, they conclude partly from you.