Embracing Humility and Service in Passion Week
Summary
In my recent sermon, I delved into the profound events that transpired during the final week leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, a period often overlooked despite its significance. This week, known as the Passion Week, encapsulates the essence of our faith and the path to redemption. I began by reflecting on Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah 9, where the king arrives on a donkey, symbolizing peace. The crowd's misunderstanding of Jesus' mission led to a drastic shift in their attitude—from adoration to condemnation within a matter of days.
I emphasized the importance of Passover, one of the three major feasts in Jewish tradition, likening it to a week-long celebration similar to Thanksgiving. This festive time was meant for rest, family, and reflection on God's deliverance. However, upon Jesus' entry into the temple, He found practices that deviated from the true purpose of God's house. The temple, meant to be a house of prayer, had become a marketplace. Jesus' righteous anger led Him to overturn the tables of the money changers, challenging the status quo and calling for a return to genuine worship.
I also explored the teachings of Jesus regarding humility and service. In a society that often encourages self-promotion and defense, Jesus presented a countercultural message: to humble oneself and elevate others. The Pharisees, despite their religious fervor and knowledge, missed the heart of God. They were more concerned with appearances and accolades than with true righteousness. Jesus' rebuke of their hypocrisy serves as a cautionary tale for us, reminding us that proximity to religious activities does not equate to a genuine relationship with God.
I shared the story of Kathy Smith, a faithful member of our congregation, as an example of true servanthood. Kathy's dedication to prayer and service without seeking recognition exemplifies the kind of humility and commitment that Jesus calls us to embody. Her journey from a humble servant to a licensed pastor in our church is a testament to the transformative power of God's calling and the beauty of responding to it with a humble heart.
In closing, I invited the congregation to reflect on their own lives, to consider whether we are living out Jesus' teachings authentically. Are we building others up or seeking our own glory? Are we embodying the love and humility that Christ exemplified? As we approach Easter, let us recommit to walking in the way of Jesus, embracing His model of servanthood, and allowing His redemptive work to shape our lives.
Key Takeaways:
- The triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem was a pivotal moment that revealed the expectations of the people and the true nature of His kingdom. The crowd's quick shift from praise to hostility underscores the volatility of human loyalty and the importance of understanding Jesus' mission beyond our own desires. [48:19]
- True leadership in the kingdom of God is marked by humility and service, not by titles or positions of authority. As followers of Christ, we are called to be brothers and sisters, serving one another and rejecting the temptation to elevate ourselves above others. This principle challenges the hierarchical structures of our world and invites us into a radical equality before God. [01:07:16]
- The dangers of religious hypocrisy are ever-present, as demonstrated by the Pharisees. Regular engagement with scripture and religious practices does not guarantee a heart aligned with God. We must continually examine our motives and ensure that our external actions reflect an internal commitment to God's ways. [01:09:13]
- The power of our words to build up or tear down cannot be overstated. In our relationships, especially within the family and community, we are called to speak life and encouragement, fostering an environment of growth and love rather than criticism and negativity. This practice can transform our personal spheres of influence and bring us closer to the heart of God. [01:11:16]
- The story of Kathy Smith serves as an inspiration for all believers to serve faithfully without seeking recognition. God sees our hearts and our service, and in His timing, He elevates those who serve with a pure heart. This narrative encourages us to remain steadfast in our service, trusting that God's plans for us will unfold as we walk in obedience. [01:14:22]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Zechariah 9:9 - "Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey."
2. Matthew 21:12-13 - "Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. 'It is written,' he said to them, 'My house will be called a house of prayer, but you are making it a den of robbers.'"
3. Matthew 23:1-12 - "Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: 'The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. They tie up heavy, cumbersome loads and put them on other people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them. Everything they do is done for people to see: They make their phylacteries wide and the tassels on their garments long; they love the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues; they love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and to be called ‘Rabbi’ by others. But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers. And do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one Instructor, the Messiah. The greatest among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What prophecy did Jesus fulfill by riding into Jerusalem on a donkey, and what did this symbolize? ([48:19])
2. What was Jesus' reaction to the practices He found in the temple, and what did He do in response? ([50:00])
3. How did the crowd's attitude towards Jesus change from the beginning to the end of the Passion Week? ([48:53])
4. What were some of the behaviors of the Pharisees that Jesus criticized in Matthew 23? ([54:08])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the crowd's attitude towards Jesus changed so drastically from praise to condemnation within a few days? ([48:53])
2. How does Jesus' cleansing of the temple reflect His priorities for worship and religious practice? ([50:00])
3. What does Jesus' teaching about humility and service in Matthew 23 suggest about true leadership in the kingdom of God? ([54:08])
4. How can the story of Kathy Smith serve as a practical example of living out Jesus' teachings on humility and service? ([01:14:22])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you might be misunderstanding Jesus' mission, similar to the crowd during the triumphal entry? How can you seek a deeper understanding of His purpose? ([48:19])
2. In what ways can you ensure that your place of worship remains a "house of prayer" rather than a place of commerce or distraction? ([50:00])
3. How can you practice humility and service in your daily life, especially in environments that encourage self-promotion? ([54:08])
4. Are there any areas in your life where you might be acting like the Pharisees, focusing more on appearances than on genuine righteousness? How can you address this? ([54:08])
5. Think of a specific person in your life who exemplifies humility and service. What can you learn from their example, and how can you apply it to your own life? ([01:14:22])
6. How can you use your words to build up others in your family and community, fostering an environment of growth and love? ([01:11:16])
7. As we approach Easter, what specific steps can you take to recommit to walking in the way of Jesus, embracing His model of servanthood? ([01:13:06])
Devotional
Day 1: Misunderstanding the Mission of Christ
The triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem was a moment of great expectation, with crowds hailing Him as a king. Yet, their anticipation was for a temporal liberator, not the spiritual savior He came to be. This event highlights the human tendency to project personal desires onto God's plan, often leading to a rejection of His true purpose when it doesn't align with our expectations. The volatility of the crowd's loyalty, shifting from praise to hostility, serves as a reminder of the fickle nature of human support and the importance of seeking a deeper understanding of Jesus' mission.
The Passion Week begins with a stark contrast between the crowd's expectations and Jesus' purpose. As He entered Jerusalem, the people's shouts of "Hosanna" soon turned into cries for crucifixion. This teaches us that God's ways are not always what we expect, and His kingdom is not of this world. It is a call to align our desires with God's will and to trust in His greater plan for redemption and peace.
"Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey." - Zechariah 9:9 ESV
Reflection: How have you experienced a time when your expectations of God's plan differed from reality, and how did you reconcile that difference in your faith journey? [07:40]
Day 2: Humility and Service in Leadership
True leadership in the kingdom of God is not about titles or positions of authority but is characterized by humility and service. This principle challenges the world's hierarchical structures and invites believers into a radical equality before God. As followers of Christ, we are called to serve one another, putting others' needs before our own, and rejecting the temptation to seek personal elevation. This countercultural message of Jesus encourages believers to embody a servant's heart in all aspects of life.
In a society that often values self-promotion, the call to humility and service can seem counterintuitive. Yet, it is the very essence of Christ's teachings. By washing the disciples' feet, Jesus set an example of servant leadership that turns the world's understanding of power and influence upside down. Believers are encouraged to follow this example, serving others selflessly and fostering a community where everyone is valued equally.
"Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves." - Philippians 2:3 ESV
Reflection: In what ways can you demonstrate servant leadership in your daily interactions, and how might this change the dynamics of your relationships? [01:07:16]
Day 3: The Heart Aligned with God
The dangers of religious hypocrisy are ever-present, as the Pharisees' example shows. Regular engagement with scripture and religious practices does not guarantee a heart aligned with God. It is essential to continually examine one's motives and ensure that external actions reflect an internal commitment to God's ways. This self-examination helps prevent the disconnect between belief and behavior, keeping one's faith genuine and alive.
The Pharisees were known for their strict adherence to the law and religious practices, yet Jesus rebuked them for their lack of genuine heart devotion. This serves as a cautionary tale for modern believers, emphasizing that the heart's condition is of utmost importance. It is not enough to appear righteous; one must cultivate a heart that truly seeks to honor God in thought, word, and deed.
"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence." - Matthew 23:25 ESV
Reflection: What are some ways you can ensure that your external religious practices are a true reflection of your internal commitment to God? [01:09:13]
Day 4: The Transformative Power of Words
The power of words to build up or tear down is significant in shaping the atmosphere of our relationships, families, and communities. Believers are called to speak life and encouragement, fostering an environment of growth and love. This practice aligns with God's heart and has the potential to transform personal spheres of influence, drawing us closer to the essence of Christian living.
The Bible emphasizes the importance of edifying speech and the impact it has on those around us. By choosing to speak words of life, believers can encourage and uplift others, contributing to a positive and nurturing environment. This approach to communication reflects the love and grace that God extends to us and can be a powerful witness to the transformative power of the gospel.
"Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear." - Ephesians 4:29 ESV
Reflection: Can you identify a recent conversation where your words could have been more uplifting, and how can you make a conscious effort to speak life into someone's situation today? [01:11:16]
Day 5: Faithful Service Without Recognition
The story of Kathy Smith serves as an inspiration for all believers to serve faithfully without seeking recognition. God sees our hearts and our service, and in His timing, He elevates those who serve with a pure heart. This narrative encourages believers to remain steadfast in their service, trusting that God's plans will unfold as they walk in obedience and humility.
Kathy's journey from a humble servant to a licensed pastor in the church is a testament to the transformative power of God's calling. Her dedication to prayer and service, without the desire for recognition, exemplifies the kind of humility and commitment that Jesus calls His followers to embody. It is a reminder that God values the heart behind the actions and that He rewards those who serve Him faithfully.
"For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do." - Hebrews 6:10 ESV
Reflection: How can you serve others in your community without the expectation of recognition, and what might be the impact of such service on your spiritual growth? [01:14:22]
Quotes
"You have a kid that's getting a 4.0 in school or you have a grandkid that's doing really good in school, you know what you like to do? You want everyone to know about it... We love to hear the praises from other people... We like to be recognized, we like to get patted on the back... We love to make ourselves look good, just like these Pharisees." [01:01:20] ()
"Jesus continues in Matthew 12... 'The greatest among you will be your servant.' For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted... Doing things God's way is just a totally different perspective than what's natural to us in our society." [01:07:16] ()
"You know what's amazing about these Pharisees? They read the Bible every day. They carried scriptures and prayers with them every day, and they missed it. You can come to church and you could still miss the heart of God... We can miss it, and you can be around it all the time." [01:08:36] ()
"Jesus said about this, 'You snakes, you brood of vipers, how will you escape being condemned by hell?' He's actually talking to the religious leaders... He knew what he was doing, but he said you can miss Him... Who are you called to be? You're called to humble yourself, you're called to build up others." [01:09:13] ()
"Jesus wants us to let go of that fear and insecurity and to put our trust and confidence in Him and do it His way... When you build up others and when you honor them, you're actually making the world a better place, you're making your community a better place, you're making your workplace a better place." [01:13:06] ()
"We watched Kathy and we watched that develop, you know, that characteristic, and so we started to put her in charge of some things because she was faithful. She wasn't looking for it, she wasn't trying to impress anyone, she was just being faithful to the Lord." [01:14:22] ()
"But you are not to be called Rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers. And do not call anyone on earth 'father,' for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Messiah. The greatest among you will be your servant." [01:07:16] ()
"Everything they do is done for people to see: They make their phylacteries wide and the tassels on their garments long; they love the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues; they love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and to be called 'Rabbi' by others." [58:26] ()
"Passover is one of the three major feasts... It's a basically a week-long vacation, think of Thanksgiving... Jesus does his triumphal entry and the first place he goes is Into The Temple... He didn't like what he saw... 'My house should be called a house of prayer.'" [49:24] ()
"Jesus goes after this, after flipping over all these tables, he goes back to Bethany... He comes back the next day and where's the first place that he goes? The temple... I'm just curious how much change happened... Did the money changers move to a different location?" [52:21] ()
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