Embracing the Cross: A Call to Servanthood

Devotional

Day 1: Embrace the Cross as a Life-Changing Invitation

The cross is not merely a symbol to be revered; it is an active invitation to live a life that goes against our natural inclinations. This invitation calls us to adopt a lifestyle marked by humility, service, and a focus on the divine rather than on human accolades. It challenges us to reconsider our daily interactions and the decisions we make, urging us to prioritize God's approval over human praise. This perspective is transformative, offering a path that leads away from self-centeredness towards a life filled with service and sacrifice, much like that of Jesus. [04:39]

Matthew 16:24-25 says, "Then Jesus told his disciples, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.'"

Reflection: How might your daily choices change if you viewed every decision through the lens of living for God’s approval rather than human approval?

Day 2: Greatness Defined by Service

True greatness in the kingdom of God is not measured by one's status or power but by their willingness to serve others. This principle was vividly demonstrated by Jesus when he, the most powerful person in the room, chose to wash his disciples' feet. This act redefines what it means to be great, teaching us that our highest call is to serve rather than to be served. Embracing this mindset can radically alter how we interact in our families, workplaces, and communities, fostering environments where service is valued over status. [18:10]

John 13:14-16 says, "If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him."

Reflection: In what ways can you demonstrate servant leadership in your current roles at home, work, or in the community?

Day 3: Counter-Cultural Living Requires Courage

Living out the invitation of the cross is inherently difficult because it runs counter to cultural values and personal inclinations. This lifestyle demands daily decisions to embrace humility and put others first, a challenge that is both daunting and transformative. It requires courage to live differently, to choose the less trodden path of servanthood in a world that praises self-promotion and power. [04:02]

Philippians 2:3-4 says, "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."

Reflection: What is one practical step you can take today to prioritize someone else's needs over your own?

Day 4: The Urgency of Living Out Our Faith

The invitation to live a life modeled after the cross carries with it a sense of urgency. Our time to reflect Jesus' sacrificial love is limited, and each day presents new opportunities to demonstrate this love in action. This urgency should motivate us to live intentionally and generously, seizing every chance to embody the values of the kingdom of God before these opportunities slip away. [24:24]

Ephesians 5:15-16 says, "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil."

Reflection: What are specific ways you can make the most of today to reflect Christ’s love to those around you?

Day 5: Empowerment Through Service

Choosing to serve aligns us with Jesus' mission and provides true empowerment. This empowerment is not for dominating others but for uplifting and serving them, which in turn transforms our communities and reflects the kingdom of God. By serving, we find our true purpose and tap into a source of joy and fulfillment that comes from living out our faith in tangible, impactful ways. [17:13]

1 Peter 4:10-11 says, "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."

Reflection: How can you use your unique gifts and talents to serve others in your community this week?

Sermon Summary

In the sermon, I began by addressing the empowering invitation of the cross, emphasizing that it represents not just a belief system but a way of life that challenges cultural and natural inclinations towards self-centeredness. This invitation calls for a lifestyle of humility, service, and sacrifice, mirroring the life Jesus led and the mission he fulfilled.

I recounted how Jesus, even with all authority in heaven and on earth, chose to serve rather than be served, setting a profound example for us. His approach was radically different from the societal norms of both the first century and today, where power and status are often used to dominate rather than uplift others. This contrast highlights the counter-cultural nature of Jesus' message and the Christian life.

The narrative of Jesus and his disciples on the way to Jerusalem served as a focal point. Here, Jesus prepared his disciples for the reality of his mission, contrasting their expectations of glory with the impending sacrifice he was about to make. This moment was pivotal, as it underscored the essence of what it means to follow Jesus—not seeking power, but laying it down.

This theme of service over status was further illustrated through the embarrassing moment of James and John, who, misunderstanding Jesus' mission, requested positions of power in his glory. This incident, coupled with the subsequent indignation of the other disciples, revealed the human tendency to seek elevation over others. Jesus corrected this by redefining greatness as servanthood and introducing a kingdom where the last would be first, and the first, last.

Throughout the sermon, I emphasized the practical implications of living out this invitation in our daily lives—how choosing to serve and prioritize others' needs over our own can transform our families, workplaces, and communities. The call to action was clear: to embrace this way of life consistently, not just in theory but in practical, tangible ways that reflect the sacrificial love of Christ.

Key Takeaways

1. The cross isn't merely a symbol of faith but an invitation to live a life contrary to natural human tendencies. It calls for a lifestyle of humility and service, challenging us to live for the approval of God rather than human accolades. This perspective shifts how we view our daily interactions and the decisions we make. [04:39]
2. Redefining Greatness - True greatness in the kingdom of God is measured by one's servanthood, not status or power. This principle was vividly illustrated when Jesus, knowing he was the most powerful person in the room, chose to wash his disciples' feet, teaching us that our highest call is to serve.

3. The Challenge of Cultural Counter-Nature - Living out the invitation of the cross is difficult because it runs counter to our cultural values and personal inclinations. It requires daily decisions to embrace humility and put others first, a challenge that is both daunting and transformative.

4. The Urgency of Living the Invitation - Our time to live out this invitation is limited. Every day is an opportunity to reflect Jesus' sacrificial love, and we must seize these opportunities before they slip away. This urgency should motivate us to live intentionally and generously.

5. Empowerment Through Service - By choosing to serve, we align ourselves with Jesus' mission and find true empowerment. This empowerment is not for dominating others but for uplifting and serving them, which in turn transforms our communities and reflects the kingdom of God.

** [04:24]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:42] - Introduction: Power and Service
[03:47] - The Cross: An Invitation to an Alternative Lifestyle
[09:47] - The Embarrassing Request of James and John
[14:35] - Jesus' Teaching on True Greatness
[17:55] - Redefining Greatness Through Service
[19:52] - The Way of the Cross: A Call to Live Differently
[24:09] - The Urgency of the Invitation
[26:53] - Conclusion: The Challenge to Say Yes to the Cross

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What did James and John request from Jesus, and how did Jesus respond to their request? (Mark 10:35-40) [10:02]
How did the other disciples react when they heard about James and John's request? (Mark 10:41) [13:29]
In John 13:1-17, what specific act did Jesus perform to demonstrate servanthood to His disciples?
According to Philippians 2:5-8, what attitude did Christ exhibit, and how did He demonstrate it through His actions?

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think James and John asked for positions of power despite Jesus' teachings on humility and servanthood? (Mark 10:35-37) [10:02]
How does Jesus' act of washing the disciples' feet in John 13:1-17 redefine greatness in the kingdom of God?
What does Philippians 2:5-8 teach us about the nature of true humility and servanthood?
How does Jesus' statement, "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many," challenge our cultural understanding of power and leadership? (Mark 10:45) [22:02]

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you sought recognition or power in a situation. How can Jesus' teaching on servanthood change your approach in similar situations in the future? [10:02]
Jesus washed His disciples' feet as an act of service. What is one practical way you can serve someone in your family, workplace, or community this week? (John 13:1-17)
The sermon emphasized the urgency of living out the invitation of the cross. What is one specific area in your life where you can start prioritizing others' needs over your own? [24:24]
How can you align your daily decisions with the call to live for the approval of God rather than human accolades? [04:39]
Think of a situation where you have the opportunity to uplift others rather than dominate. How can you use your influence to benefit those around you in that context? [17:13]
The sermon highlighted the challenge of living counter to cultural values. What cultural or personal inclinations do you find most difficult to overcome in your pursuit of humility and service? [04:02]
Jesus' life was marked by humility, service, and sacrifice. Identify one specific action you can take this week to reflect the sacrificial love of Christ in your interactions with others. [27:48]

Sermon Clips

Quotes for Outreach:

1. "Hi, everybody. Welcome to Your Move, where we help you make better decisions and live with fewer regrets. I'm Andy Stanley, and I'll be your guide. Now, you have probably noticed that people with power usually leverage that power to keep it and to, well, to get more of it, which is unfortunate because, well, imagine what our communities, our families, our world would look like if we all used our influence to benefit the people around us instead of, well, instead of just the person in the mirror. Somebody's got to go first. Why not you? Why not me?" [00:57](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | )

2. "We're not here because Christians got their way. We're here because first and second century Christians gave their lives away. That's why the gospel endured the might of Rome. It's a standing invitation. It's an empowering invitation. It's an invitation to participate in the kingdom of God right now. And your family and the marketplace, as soon as we leave every single day." [27:08](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | )

3. "Imagine if we led our families that way. Imagine if we worked that way, served our employers that way. Imagine if we led in the marketplace that way. Imagine if we reacted that way. It's risky and it's foolish. At least we think so now, but in the end, we won't think that way. Because the power of God, the love of God, the kingdom of God is released and recognized in us and through us in the real world when we say yes to the invitation of the cross." [27:48](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | )

Quotes for Members:

1. "This isn't about don't do your best. This isn't about don't exploit your talent and your resources. This is about why you do it and how you do it and who you do it for. So once again, Jesus is like, oh, guys, we're gonna have another little meeting. Everybody off the path, let everybody get ahead of us. They're like, oh, there's thousands of people who are getting ahead of us. Jesus is like, this is part of your problem." [14:50](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | )

2. "Not so with you. Not so among you. You wanna be great. James and John, come on, you guys wanted to be great, right? They're like, oh yeah, yeah, we like to be great. All of you guys wanna be great? Yeah, we wanna be great. Jesus says, well, I think wanting to be great is a great thing. Let me tell you how to be great in my kingdom. Whoever, he says, whoever wants to become great among you, you gotta become the servant." [17:43](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | )

3. "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many. And they're like, And then he says, okay. Let's go. Get back up, get back on the road, join the crowd. They've fallen way behind. We are so in the back of the line now. Thank you very much. They're on their way to Jerusalem, and they still didn't understand." [25:04](Download raw clip | | )

4. "But they were about to witness, imagine this. They're about to witness what John the Baptist predicted when John the Baptist came on the scene and Jesus walks down to the valley where John the Baptist is baptizing in the Jordan River, and he stops what he's doing, and he looks up, and he says, behold, look, the Lamb of God who comes to take away the sins of the world." [25:37](Download raw clip | | )

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