Dunbar UCC

April 5, 2009

Mark 11:7-10

Philippians 2:5-8

The Same Mind

In the news the other night the world leaders were in London, trying to come up with a plan to fix the economy.  There was a funny side story -- the presidents limousine got stuck trying to turn around on one of the narrow streets.  Its a big thing -- long, wide.  That's the kind of transportation world leaders use. 

Contrast that with Gods preferred mode of transportation.  Depending on the translation you use, Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a colt, a donkey, or an ass.  He traveled peasant class.

    World leaders travel World Class, but God travels Ass Class. 

Is there a lesson here for us?

    Jesus said if we follow him, were supposed to do as he did -- were supposed to serve, take the lowest place -- even get on our knees and wash someone's feet!

    Our spouse tells us, Wash the dishes.

    We yell, You wash them -- that's your job!  .....or,   I did them last night -- Its your turn! 

But if were following Jesus, we need to say something like, Of course Ill wash the dishes.  Id like to do the laundry too, if that's alright with you. 

Listen, just because I'm standing here preaching to you doesn't mean that I don't struggle with this stuff every day.  Every day, there are so many times when we can serve -- and if you're like me, you just don't feel like it.

Hey! we protest, when's it my turn to have a break!

That's natural -- its our nature to do someone a favor and then expect one in return.

    But that's not the path were following.  We follow a foot-washer, a healer, a peace-maker -- a man who rides a mule, not a limo.

Have the mind of this man, Paul said.

Make it your supreme goal in life to have the mind of Jesus Christ.