Redefining Greatness: Humility and Servant Leadership
Summary
In today's reflection, we explored the concept of greatness, both in the context of our personal lives and within our community at Forest Community Church. The backdrop of March Madness and the discussions around the greatest athletes served as a springboard into a deeper conversation about what truly constitutes greatness. We examined the disciples' argument about who among them was the greatest, as recorded in Luke 9:46-50, and Jesus' response that the greatest is the one who is least among us, who welcomes a child in His name.
This passage challenges our preconceived notions of greatness, which often align with worldly standards of power, status, and recognition. Jesus, however, redefines greatness as humility, service, and the welcoming of those who are often overlooked or marginalized. This is a call to servant leadership, where the focus is not on titles or positions but on sacrificial service and prayerful shepherding.
We also discussed the importance of healthy leadership within the church. A church's health is often a reflection of its leadership, and problems arise when leadership is based on titles rather than function and sacrifice. Our leaders at Forest Community Church are committed to praying for and serving the congregation, embodying the servant leadership that Jesus exemplified.
Furthermore, we delved into the idea that our desire for greatness is not inherently wrong. In fact, it is a reflection of being made in the image of God, who desires greatness for us. However, this greatness is not about worldly success but about eternal significance and being a blessing to others, as promised to Abraham.
Finally, we addressed the issue of exclusivity in leadership and the importance of embracing those who may not be part of our immediate circle but are doing God's work. Jesus' teaching reminds us that anyone who is not against us is for us, urging us to focus on unity and collaboration rather than division.
Key Takeaways:
- True greatness is found in humility and service, not in titles or positions. Jesus teaches that welcoming and serving those who are often overlooked is the path to greatness in His kingdom. [03:22]
- Our desire for greatness is a reflection of being made in God's image. God wants us to achieve greatness, but this is about eternal significance rather than worldly success. [13:26]
- Healthy leadership is crucial for a healthy church. Leadership should be based on function and sacrifice, not titles, and should focus on serving and praying for the community. [21:29]
- Servant leadership is accessible to everyone. As Martin Luther King Jr. said, anyone can be great because anyone can serve, emphasizing the importance of a heart full of grace and love. [25:52]
- Unity in the body of Christ is essential. We should embrace those who are doing God's work, even if they are not part of our immediate circle, and focus on what unites us rather than what divides us. [29:28]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [03:22] - Redefining Greatness
- [06:45] - The Role of Leadership
- [09:30] - Servant Leadership in Action
- [13:26] - Desire for Greatness
- [16:50] - The Call to Humility
- [21:29] - Embracing the Least
- [25:52] - Everyone Can Serve
- [29:28] - Unity in Christ
- [32:10] - One Body, One Vision
- [34:24] - Closing Prayer and Reflection
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Luke 9:46-50
- Genesis 12:2
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Observation Questions:
1. In Luke 9:46-50, what was the argument among the disciples about, and how did Jesus respond to it? [03:22]
2. How does Jesus use the example of a child to redefine greatness in His kingdom? [21:29]
3. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between leadership and the health of a church? [13:26]
4. How does the sermon describe the disciples' reaction to someone driving out demons in Jesus' name, and what was Jesus' response? [25:52]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Jesus' teaching in Luke 9:46-50 challenge our modern understanding of greatness and success? [03:22]
2. What does the sermon suggest about the role of humility and service in achieving true greatness? [21:29]
3. How does the sermon interpret the promise made to Abraham in Genesis 12:2 in the context of greatness? [13:26]
4. What does the sermon imply about the dangers of exclusivity in leadership and how it can affect the unity of the church? [25:52]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own understanding of greatness. How does it align or differ from Jesus' teaching that the greatest is the one who serves and welcomes the least? [03:22]
2. In what ways can you practice servant leadership in your daily life, whether at work, home, or church? Consider specific actions you can take this week. [21:29]
3. The sermon mentions that our desire for greatness is a reflection of being made in God's image. How can you pursue greatness in a way that aligns with God's eternal significance rather than worldly success? [13:26]
4. Think about a time when you felt excluded or when you excluded someone else. How can you work towards embracing those who are doing God's work, even if they are not part of your immediate circle? [25:52]
5. How can you contribute to the health of your church's leadership by supporting and praying for your leaders? What specific steps can you take to encourage them this week? [13:26]
6. Consider the concept of unity in the body of Christ. What practical steps can you take to focus on what unites us as believers rather than what divides us? [29:28]
7. Reflect on a personal ambition or goal. How can you ensure that it aligns with God's vision for your life and contributes to being a blessing to others, as promised to Abraham? [13:26]
Devotional
Day 1: Redefining Greatness Through Humility
True greatness is not measured by titles or positions but by humility and service. In a world that often equates greatness with power and recognition, Jesus offers a countercultural perspective. He teaches that welcoming and serving those who are often overlooked is the path to greatness in His kingdom. This challenges us to shift our focus from seeking personal accolades to embracing a life of service and humility. By doing so, we align ourselves with the values of God's kingdom, where the least are considered the greatest. [03:22]
"For who is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the one who serves." (Luke 22:27, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life might be feeling overlooked or marginalized? How can you serve them this week in a way that reflects Jesus' humility and love?
Day 2: Eternal Significance Over Worldly Success
Our desire for greatness is a reflection of being made in God's image. While the world often equates greatness with success and achievement, God calls us to pursue a greatness that has eternal significance. This means focusing on being a blessing to others and living a life that reflects God's love and purpose. By doing so, we fulfill the promise given to Abraham and become part of God's greater plan for humanity. [13:26]
"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal." (Matthew 6:19-20, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are pursuing worldly success over eternal significance? How can you shift your focus to align with God's purpose for you?
Day 3: The Role of Sacrificial Leadership
Healthy leadership is crucial for a healthy church. Leadership should be based on function and sacrifice, not titles, and should focus on serving and praying for the community. When leaders embody servant leadership, they reflect the heart of Jesus and create an environment where the church can thrive. This calls for leaders who are willing to put the needs of others before their own and who are committed to the spiritual growth of their community. [21:29]
"So if I, 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." (John 13:14-15, ESV)
Reflection: How can you practice sacrificial leadership in your own life, whether at home, work, or church? What specific actions can you take to serve others this week?
Day 4: The Accessibility of Servant Leadership
Servant leadership is accessible to everyone. As Martin Luther King Jr. said, anyone can be great because anyone can serve. This emphasizes the importance of a heart full of grace and love. By serving others, we reflect the character of Jesus and contribute to the well-being of our community. This is a call to action for all believers, regardless of their position or status, to embrace a lifestyle of service and love. [25:52]
"Whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all." (Mark 10:43-44, ESV)
Reflection: What is one practical way you can serve someone in your community this week? How can you cultivate a heart of grace and love in your daily interactions?
Day 5: Embracing Unity in the Body of Christ
Unity in the body of Christ is essential. We are called to embrace those who are doing God's work, even if they are not part of our immediate circle, and to focus on what unites us rather than what divides us. This requires a spirit of collaboration and an openness to different expressions of faith. By doing so, we strengthen the body of Christ and further God's kingdom on earth. [29:28]
"I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment." (1 Corinthians 1:10, ESV)
Reflection: Is there someone or a group within the body of Christ that you have been hesitant to embrace? How can you take a step towards unity and collaboration with them this week?
Quotes
"The greatest in Forest is one who faithfully obeys Jesus Christ as obediencehip, and also faithfully shepherds as praying good shepherd. Amen? Let me tell you, the greatest person in any church is one who is a faithful, available, teachable, and praying Christian who make others disciple." [00:04:49] (29 seconds)
"And I learned very much from my own pastoral experience, as well as others, that there is no healthy church without a healthy leadership. And many churches have a problem because their leadership are not healthy. And often times, it's a mistake of a church to just build a leadership based on title." [00:05:18] (25 seconds)
"God said abraham if you follow me i'll make you great and abraham became great as god said right now more than half of the world population call abraham as their father and claim him to be the faith a father of their faith and this great promise of god is not only for abraham but anyone who trusts and obeys god with the faith just like abraham." [00:11:06] (28 seconds)
"Oswald Chambers, the writer of a Christian classic, my unmerciful is the highest. One said this, all of the heavens is interested in the cross of Christ and the hell afraid of it, while men were the only ones to ignore its meaning. We need to really see who Christ is for us during this Lenten season." [00:20:05] (25 seconds)
"So, Jesus said, it is not hard to be a great because all you require is a welcome and love and serve little child. On that note, I encourage everybody to serve our children ministry. You know, Rita said, she doesn't have a need of teacher, but you have a need. If you haven't served the children, you need to go serve children." [00:21:40] (26 seconds)
"Master said, John, we saw someone driving out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him because he's not one of us. Do not stop him. Jesus said, for whoever is not against you is for you. Notice here that this unknown exorcist was driving out demons in Jesus' name, which disciples of Jesus had a hard time to do it." [00:24:12] (28 seconds)
"This is the saddest tragedy in Christian history that Christians are divided into different, you know, sect and denomination. It's still going on. Especially even among the pro -Westerns, you know, the minor doctrines are dividing our churches. I want to remind you, what we have in common is like an ocean." [00:26:45] (30 seconds)
"Let us make for us a great great church not for our own reputation for greatest name of Christ amen you. Let us really enthrone Christ into the center of our soul. Let us make the cross of Christ. It's the center, the throne of our life. And let us become a great servant leaders as Christ came to serve and gives us life as a ransom for us. Amen." [00:34:01] (39 seconds)
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