116 14 Habits of Highly Effective Disciples
or large sheet of paper the following instructions and place on a
focal wall: SERVING OTHERS: Tear your piece of construction
paper into the shape of something that symbolizes methods or ways
of serving others. Be prepared to share your symbol and its meaning.
As the teacher, set the example by doing this exercise with the class.
Some potential shapes might be—a hammer, saw, paint brush, or
house (repairing a home after a storm); a cross (sharing Christ with
others); a heart (showing love toward the unlovely); a banana, apple,
or loaf of bread (sharing food with the homeless); $ (giving money
to missions so others can serve); the letter M (stands for missions)
or a van or bus (going on a mission trip); a hand (reaching out to
folks in prison with visits or Bible study); a musical note or musical
instrument (providing music for worship); a truck (hauling sup-
plies like food and water to a disaster area); etc.- Ask class members to attach their symbols to the focal wall with a
piece of masking tape. As time allows, ask members to share their
symbol and its meaning. Say, Today we will consider three Bible
passages that teach us that serving others is not an option, but a
command for Jesus’ disciples.
Guide Bible Study
- Ask someone to read Mark 10:35–45. Guide the class to help you
list some of the key truths in this passage by asking the following
questions. Enlist one of the members to record their answers on a
white/chalk board.- Who are the main characters in this passage?
- What did they want from Jesus and what did they ask of him?
- What was Jesus’ response? What does the “cup” symbolize?
- When Jesus gathered his followers together, what did he say
to them? - In your opinion, what is the central truth or teaching of this
passage? - Why do you think the followers of Jesus did not understand
this important teaching?