Embracing Christ's Call to Humility and Service

Today’s reflection centers on the call to live out Christ’s example of humility, compassion, and service in a world often marked by self-interest and the misuse of power. Drawing from John 13 and Philippians 2, the focus is on how Jesus, though possessing all authority, never used it for selfish gain but instead chose the path of servanthood. This stands in stark contrast to the way power is often wielded in our world—whether in politics, history, or even within the church itself—where authority can be abused for personal ambition or to the detriment of others.

A story from history, the life of Empress Elizabeth of Austria, illustrates how a single person’s compassion and willingness to step down from privilege can influence even the most entrenched systems of power. Her example mirrors the attitude Paul urges: not to seek our own interests, but to look to the needs of others, treating people as individuals worthy of dignity and care.

The challenge is clear: while we may feel powerless to change global events or the actions of those in high places, we are not helpless. Change begins with us, in our homes, our communities, and our daily interactions. Small acts of kindness—sharing a meal, offering companionship, giving from our abundance—are not insignificant. They are the seeds of transformation, the ripples that spread outward and testify to the love of Christ.

The church is called to be a movement of compassion, humility, and service, not a fortress of perfection or self-righteousness. Trust is rebuilt not through grand gestures, but through consistent, humble love that reflects Jesus’ own heart. In a world searching for meaning and authenticity, may people find in us a community where love is real, service is genuine, and Christ is at the center.

Key Takeaways

• 1. True Power Is Found in Humility and Service Jesus, though possessing all authority, never exploited his power for personal gain. Instead, he chose to serve, even to the point of death. This radical humility is the model for all who follow him, challenging us to lay aside self-interest and embrace the way of the servant, especially when we are tempted to use our influence for ourselves. [23:48]
• 2. Compassion Transforms Communities The story of Empress Elizabeth shows how genuine compassion can disrupt systems of hierarchy and indifference. When we step out of our comfort zones to truly see and serve others, we create space for transformation—not just in individuals, but in the culture around us. Compassion is not weakness; it is a force that can reshape hearts and histories. [27:38]
• 3. Beware the Subtlety of Selfish Ambition Paul warns against selfish ambition and vain conceit, which can easily infiltrate even the most well-intentioned hearts and institutions. The misuse of power is not just a problem for politicians or leaders; it is a temptation for all. We must continually examine our motives, ensuring that our actions are rooted in Christlike humility rather than the desire for recognition or control. [29:11]
• 4. Small Acts of Kindness Have Eternal Impact While we may not be able to solve the world’s biggest problems, we are called to faithfulness in the small things. A visit, a meal, a shared coat—these simple gestures, done in love, are the building blocks of God’s kingdom. The ripple effect of such acts can reach further than we imagine, bearing witness to the reality of Christ’s love in tangible ways. [37:12]
• 5. The Church’s Witness Depends on Authentic Love In a world skeptical of institutions, the credibility of the church rests on its willingness to embody the love and humility of Jesus. We are not called to be perfect, but to be real—servants who love, care, and welcome others as Christ has welcomed us. When people see this authenticity, they are drawn not to us, but to the God we serve.
  
  ** [41:10]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [22:14] - The New Commandment: Love One Another
• [23:48] - Christ’s Humility and Exaltation
• [25:18] - Inspiration from a German TV Series
• [26:42] - The Habsburg Empire and Empress Elizabeth
• [27:38] - Compassion in Leadership
• [28:22] - Philippians: How We Treat Others
• [29:11] - The Dangers of Selfish Ambition
• [30:28] - Power and Its Abuse in the World
• [31:48] - Misuse of Authority in the Church
• [32:44] - The Call to Compassion and Humility
• [37:12] - Small Acts, Big Impact
• [41:10] - Prayer for Compassion and Change
• [42:12] - Closing and Blessing

Bible Reading

John 13:31–35 (ESV) — > When he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and glorify him at once. Little children, yet a little while I am with you. You will seek me, and just as I said to the Jews, so now I also say to you, ‘Where I am going you cannot come.’ A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Philippians 2:1–11 (ESV) — > So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Observation Questions

1. According to John 13, what does Jesus say will show the world that we are his disciples? ([22:14])
2. In Philippians 2, what specific attitudes and actions does Paul say should mark the lives of believers? ([23:48])
3. What example from history did the sermon use to illustrate compassion disrupting systems of power? ([27:38])
4. What are some of the small acts of kindness mentioned in the sermon that can make a difference in people’s lives? ([37:12])

Interpretation Questions

1. Why does Jesus connect loving one another with being recognized as his followers? What does this say about the importance of community and relationships in the Christian life? ([22:14])
2. Paul warns against selfish ambition and vain conceit. Why do you think these attitudes are so dangerous, even within the church? ([29:11])
3. The sermon mentions that Jesus had all authority but chose to serve. What does this teach us about the true nature of power and leadership in God’s kingdom? ([23:48])
4. The story of Empress Elizabeth shows how one person’s compassion can influence others. How might small acts of kindness create a ripple effect in a community or church? ([27:38])

Application Questions

1. The sermon challenges us to examine our motives. Are there areas in your life—at home, work, or church—where you are tempted to use your influence for your own benefit rather than to serve others? What would it look like to choose humility in those situations? ([29:11])
2. Think of a time when you felt powerless to change something big in the world. What is one small, practical act of kindness or service you could do this week in your own community or family? ([37:12])
3. The church is called to be a movement of compassion, not a fortress of perfection. Are there ways you have tried to appear “perfect” rather than being real and loving? How can you be more authentic and welcoming to others? ([41:10])
4. The sermon mentioned sharing a meal, offering companionship, or giving from our abundance. Is there someone in your life who could use a visit, a meal, or a simple gift? What is stopping you from reaching out to them? ([37:12])
5. Paul says to “look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” What is one area where you could intentionally put someone else’s needs before your own this week? ([23:48])
6. The credibility of the church depends on authentic love. How can our small group be a place where people experience real love and service, not just talk about it? ([41:10])
7. The sermon encouraged us to pray for situations where we feel powerless. Is there a specific situation—global or local—you feel burdened about? How can you commit to praying for it, and is there a small action you can take as well? ([41:10])