God calls us to be disciples of Jesus, building community through
service and fellowship and sharing the love of Christ with all.

“The United Methodist Church of Westford is an open and welcoming community of Christian
Faith. Without any exceptions, we welcome anyone who seeks to love and to serve God.” Learn More

Servanthood, Hospitality, and Discipleship

Every culture is influenced by the language of competition, classism, and power struggles. Roman culture during the time of Jesus was one in which the language of competition, power, wealth, and classism dominated society. Interestingly and sadly, the disciples of Jesus were influenced by these social and cultural forces, as we see in their silence when Jesus asks them what they had been arguing about (Mark 9:33). The reason for their silence was that they had been arguing among themselves about who was the greatest (Mark 9:34). Their argument took place immediately after Jesus had taught them about his identity, the nature of the Messiah, and how the suffering Messiah would be crucified, die, and be resurrected.

What was Jesus’ response to the disciples who were arguing about who was the greatest? He said to them, “Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.” What does Jesus mean by being a "servant of all"? Based on the meaning of the Greek word diakonos in Jesus' and Mark's time, New Testament scholar Sharon H. Ringe suggests that being a servant refers to someone who serves meals. The "servant of all," according to her, is the one who would only be allowed to eat what was left after everyone else had eaten their fill. This interpretation sheds light on the meaning of servanthood, hospitality, and discipleship. Those who follow the life of Jesus are servants to all, offering 'meals' and partaking in them at the end of our service. This form of radical hospitality reveals our identity and the essence of our discipleship. The community of Jesus' disciples struggled to embrace a path of discipleship grounded in servanthood and radical hospitality, influenced by prevailing cultural and societal values. What about us? If we follow the teachings and example of Jesus, we too strive to live counter-culturally, embodying a life pattern that challenges the norms of our society. 

Mark 9:30-37

September 22,2024

Pastor Jinyong

Special Music:  Adult Choir

Join us in-person every Sunday at 9:30 for Worship service or online recording.