A Cup of Water

Text: Mark 9:41, Matthew 10:40-42
17 August 2014

A CUP OF WATER

1. Whoever gives you a cup of water to drink          Mark 9:41

a) The simplest of acts
b) The giving of water to quench thirst

2. Significance: With reference to the name of Christ

a) In My name          Mark 9:41
b) Casting out demons in Christ’s name          Mark 9:38-39

3. Relationship with Christ

a) Because you belong to Christ          Mark 9:41 (genitive case)
b) He will not lose his reward (blessing)          Mark 9:41

LESSONS FROM MATTHEW

1. Whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water

a) More explicit
b) Cold water (difficult to find cold water)          Matthew 10:42
c) Little ones
i) Children
ii) The least of

2. In the name of

a) Context: Receiving Jesus          Matthew 10:40
b) Receiving a prophet in the name of a prophet, receives a prophet’s reward          Matthew 10:41
c) Receiving a righteous man, receives a righteous man’s reward          Matthew 10:41
d) Receiving a disciple… he will not lose his reward          Matthew 10:42

#9 PERFORMING MIRACLES

Miracles are deeds that can be done only by the power of God,
Jesus performed many miracles empowered by the Spirit of the Lord.
The calming of a storm, the healing of the sick indicate that Jesus was anointed,
These deeds testify of the power of God at work in a Person gloriously appointed!

The casting out of demons was another evidence of the power of God at work,
Only he who has a mighty faith would be able to cast out demons that lurk.
An unknown and unnamed disciple was once found casting out a demon,
The disciples forbade him to do this work, because they were not able to discern.

Perhaps they were worried that this unknown person might bring harm to the Lord’s name,
Or perhaps they feared that he might bring to the Lord dishonor and shame.
Their fears were unfounded and their hearts had not fully understood God’s plans,
The Lord had more disciples than The Twelve, they were not an exclusive Band.

The person who wields power so that demons obey has a special standing before the Lord,
He too has been appointed to serve effectively by the mighty and sovereign Son of God.
The disciples need to fathom God’s Divine plans with an enlightened mind and heart,
Sectarianism is a threat and a danger that can severely tear a Church apart!

Inspiration: Mark 9:30-40