Why Jesus is not interested in those who seek self-advancement

19 September 2021 is the 17th Sunday after Pentecost. Welcome to today’s online service materials.

Below, you will find Rev. Geoff McKee’s Order of Service for today, together with the Video Service.

You can download a PDF version of the sermon by clicking here. Or, if you prefer to read the text of the sermon on this website, see also here.

Order of Service

Welcome and Intimations
Call to Worship
Praise: MP192 (ii) God of grace and God of glory
Prayers of Adoration and Confession
Reflection
Praise: CH4 596 Breathe on me, Breath of God (Tune: Trentham)
Readings: Jeremiah 11:18-20 & Psalm 54
Praise: MP760 When we walk with the Lord
Readings: James 3:13-4:3, 7-8a & Mark 9:30-37
Sermon
Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession
Praise: CH4 533 Will you come and follow me
Benediction

Main Reading for Today

Mark 9:30-37 (New International Version)
Jesus Predicts His Death a Second Time
30 They left that place and passed through Galilee. Jesus did not want anyone to know where they were, 31 because he was teaching his disciples. He said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise.” 32 But they did not understand what he meant and were afraid to ask him about it.

33 They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the road?” 34 But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest.

35 Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.”

36 He took a little child whom he placed among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, 37 “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.”