St. Mark Lutheran Church and Preschool
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At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And calling to Him a child, He put him in the midst of them and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one such child in My Name receives Me … See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven.”
“Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”
Most of us have heard Jesus’ words so often, we are not properly shocked by them. Aw, how cute, we may think. Children are so lovely, so innocent. That must be what Jesus is referring to. Except … kids aren’t really pure and innocent, are they? Any preschool teacher can tell you otherwise. Children are sinners like adults, and differ mainly in having less experience; and less power and opportunity to do harm.
So, what is Jesus after when He tells us to become like children? It seems to me that the single defining trait of a child is helplessness. A child has nothing to offer, nothing to bargain with. Children have no money, no power, no prestige, no experience and talents and skills. They cannot protect themselves, because everyone around them is bigger, stronger, and smarter. They are natural victims; unless they find a protector.
This is what Jesus calls us to recognize about ourselves. We are in fact just this helpless, whether we realize it or not. Oh, we may have more education or street smarts or power or money. But none of that does any good against the attacks of sin, death, and the devil. When it really matters, we are all as helpless as newborns, and blessed are the people who realize that fact and turn wholeheartedly to Jesus for protection! Those people have given up on any idea of saving themselves. They are putting all of their trust in their Savior, in Jesus; and that makes them the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Everything they have, they have from Jesus.
He is the help of the helpless. He is the One who holds them in His hands, and who warns everyone who comes near to do them no harm. God the Father will not forget those who harm His little ones; and that includes not just children, but anyone, even you, who has fled to Him for refuge. He treasures us as His own Son. As Jesus said, “Whoever receives one such child in My Name receives Me.” And from that we know how much God cares about us;—and how carefully we should cherish the people around us.
This Devotion was written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Fellowship for September 6 – Sugar Shack Donuts + more!
There are few things in this world more pleasurable than doughnuts. I love doughnuts. I love everything about them — the way they smell, the way they taste, the way they complement one’s drink. I know I’m not alone. To indulge, or to deny?
Indulge, I say!
KIDS NEED TIME TO CONNECT WITH JESUS
Jesus Connections is connecting kids to Jesus by teaching them how to be:
ROOTED IN THE WORD OF GOD
DWELL WITH CHRIST &
BRANCH OUT INTO THE WORLD
This is our way of passing the baton of faith to the next generation.
Following Fellowship, children are invited to join the teachers for learning and fun as they explore how Jesus loves and cares for them. The curriculum is Bible-based and introduced in an age-appropriate way with interactive and hands-on activities to support the children's learning. These classes are geared towards preschool - 6th grade.
Join us Sunday's @ 10:30 a.m.
Everyone Matters
Jesus wants us to care about others, especially when someone feels left out, lost, or alone. We can choose to be kind, forgive others, and help bring people back together. No one is too small or unimportant to be loved and cared for.
Be kind. Look out for others. Everyone matters to Jesus!
Confirmation Classes Starting Soon!
It’s that time of year to start thinking about Confirmation!
If you or someone you know is in Junior High or Senior High School and is interested in beginning Confirmation classes, Pastor Jake is making plans for a new year of Confirmation to begin soon.
Confirmation is an opportunity for young people to grow in their understanding of God’s Word, the Christian faith, and what it means to live as a disciple of Christ.
For more information, or to learn more about getting started, please contact Pastor Jake.
Men of St. Mark!
If your week runs on coffee, bacon, and brotherly encouragement, we’ve got good news.
Join us for men’s breakfast featuring:
Food that tastes better than it is good for you.
Coffee strong enough to forgive your sins. (Not even Close!)
Conversation ranging from Scripture to sports to “remember when…”
Fellowship without singing solos or being volunteered for anything. (Probably)
Come hungry, leave encouraged. No RSVP required - but pants are!
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