Redefining Greatness: Service, Humility, and Sacrifice

 

Summary

In a world preoccupied with status and recognition, the pursuit of true greatness is often misunderstood. The desire to be seen and to make an impact is a common human inclination, and this quest for significance can be seen across various stages of life, from career ambitions to the legacy one leaves behind. This pursuit of image and identity is deeply ingrained in human nature, and it is a theme that resonates with many, even if it is not openly acknowledged.

The exploration of this theme is rooted in the teachings found in the Gospel of Mark, particularly in chapter 9, verses 30-50. Here, the narrative unfolds with Jesus and his disciples traveling through Galilee, where Jesus imparts a crucial lesson about his impending suffering, death, and resurrection. Despite the gravity of his message, the disciples struggle to comprehend the significance of his words, revealing their preoccupation with their own status and ambitions.

The passage in Mark 9 reveals a stark contrast between the disciples' expectations of earthly glory and the path of humility and service that Jesus exemplifies. The disciples' argument about who among them is the greatest is met with Jesus' teaching that true greatness is not found in self-exaltation but in becoming the servant of all. Jesus illustrates this principle by embracing a child, symbolizing the least in society, and teaching that to welcome the lowly is to welcome him and the one who sent him.

This teaching challenges the prevailing notions of greatness and power. It presents a paradoxical path to true greatness, one that is achieved not through seeking personal glory but through self-denial, service, and embracing the least among us. The message is clear: the way to exaltation is through humility, and the way to life is through a willingness to lose it for the sake of others.

The discussion then shifts to the topic of those who perform mighty works in Jesus' name, even if they are not part of the immediate circle of disciples. The response to this situation further underscores the inclusive nature of Jesus' mission. The emphasis is on the common cause of proclaiming the gospel and the importance of not hindering those who are not against the mission, even if their association with the group is not direct.

The passage also delves into the serious nature of sin and the consequences of causing others to stumble. Jesus uses hyperbolic language to stress the severity of sin and the lengths to which one should go to avoid leading others astray. The imagery of a millstone being tied around one's neck and being cast into the sea serves as a stark warning about the gravity of causing harm to the vulnerable.

The concept of being "salted with fire" is introduced as a metaphor for the purifying and preserving power of the gospel. Just as salt cures meat and fire refines metals, the gospel purifies and preserves the believer. However, there is a caution against losing one's saltiness, which serves as a metaphor for losing the essence of the gospel message and the transformative power it holds.

In conclusion, the passage from Mark 9 offers a profound redefinition of greatness, one that is rooted in service, humility, and a commitment to the well-being of others. It challenges the pursuit of self-aggrandizement and calls for a focus on the sacrificial love exemplified by Jesus. The message is as relevant today as it was in the time of the disciples, offering a timeless guide for those seeking to navigate the complexities of human ambition and the call to live a life of purpose and service.

Key Takeaways:

- True greatness is not measured by one's status or achievements but by the willingness to serve others and embrace humility. This concept is exemplified by Jesus' teaching that the first shall be last and the servant of all, challenging the conventional understanding of power and influence. [36:53]

- The inclusivity of Jesus' mission is highlighted by his response to those casting out demons in his name, even if they are not part of the inner circle. This teaches that the work of the gospel transcends personal affiliations and that the focus should be on the common goal of proclaiming Christ, rather than on exclusivity or rivalry. [49:47]

- Sin is a serious matter that requires vigilant self-examination and a commitment to avoid causing others to stumble. The use of hyperbolic language by Jesus emphasizes the drastic measures one should take to prevent leading others into sin, underscoring the importance of spiritual integrity and responsibility. [57:54]

- The metaphor of being "salted with fire" serves as a reminder of the purifying and preserving nature of the gospel. Believers are called to maintain the essence of their faith, ensuring that the transformative power of the gospel remains effective in their lives and in the world around them. [01:03:45]

- The journey of faith involves a constant tension between the pursuit of earthly glory and the call to follow the way of the cross. This tension is resolved by embracing the theology of the cross, which prioritizes God's grace and mercy over human achievement and recognizes the path of true glory as one of sacrifice and service. [40:15]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Mark 9:30-50
- Philippians 2:5-11
- Isaiah 53:3-5

#### Observation Questions
1. What were the disciples arguing about on their way to Capernaum, and how did Jesus respond to their discussion? ([23:11])
2. How does Jesus illustrate the concept of true greatness in Mark 9:35-37? ([23:41])
3. What does Jesus say about those who perform mighty works in His name but are not part of the immediate circle of disciples? ([24:13])
4. What hyperbolic language does Jesus use to emphasize the severity of sin and its consequences? ([24:39])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the disciples struggled to understand Jesus' prediction of His suffering, death, and resurrection? ([23:11])
2. How does Jesus' teaching about welcoming a child challenge the disciples' (and our) understanding of status and greatness? ([23:41])
3. What does the metaphor of being "salted with fire" imply about the role of the gospel in a believer's life? ([25:03])
4. How does the concept of the "theology of the cross" differ from the "theology of glory," and why is this distinction important for understanding true greatness? ([40:19])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: In what ways do you find yourself seeking status or recognition? How can you shift your focus towards serving others and embracing humility? ([20:17])
2. Jesus teaches that true greatness is found in being the servant of all. What are some practical ways you can serve others in your daily life, especially those who are often overlooked or marginalized? ([23:41])
3. How can you be more inclusive in your approach to ministry and support those who are working for the gospel, even if they are not part of your immediate circle? ([24:13])
4. Jesus uses strong language to warn against causing others to stumble. Are there areas in your life where your actions or attitudes might be leading others astray? How can you address these issues? ([24:39])
5. The metaphor of being "salted with fire" suggests a need for ongoing purification and preservation of faith. What steps can you take to ensure that the essence of the gospel remains strong and transformative in your life? ([25:03])
6. The sermon highlighted the tension between the pursuit of earthly glory and the call to follow the way of the cross. How can you prioritize God's grace and mercy over human achievement in your personal and professional life? ([40:19])
7. Think about a time when you felt excluded or undervalued. How can this experience help you to better welcome and value others, especially those who might be considered "the least" in society? ([23:41])

Devotional

Day 1: Servanthood Defines True Greatness
True greatness is found in the humility and service we offer to others, not in our personal achievements or recognition. This challenges the conventional understanding of power and influence, inviting a reorientation of one's priorities towards serving rather than being served. Embracing this perspective aligns with the example set by Jesus, who taught that the first shall be last and the servant of all. [36:53]

Matthew 20:26-28 - "Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Reflection: How can you demonstrate servanthood in your daily interactions, and what might you need to change in your life to prioritize serving others?

Day 2: Embracing the Inclusivity of the Gospel
The work of the gospel transcends personal affiliations and invites all who act in Jesus' name to participate in the mission. This inclusivity challenges us to look beyond our circles and embrace those who work towards the common goal of proclaiming Christ. It is a call to unity and cooperation, rather than exclusivity or rivalry, in the body of Christ. [49:47]

1 Corinthians 12:12-13 - "Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink."
Reflection: Can you identify someone outside of your immediate faith community who is also working for the kingdom of God? How can you support or partner with them in their efforts?

Day 3: The Seriousness of Leading Others Astray
Sin is a grave matter, especially when it involves causing others to stumble. As followers of Christ, we must be vigilant in our actions and attitudes, ensuring that we do not lead others away from the path of righteousness. The hyperbolic language used by Jesus emphasizes the lengths we should go to in order to maintain spiritual integrity and protect the vulnerable from harm. [57:54]

James 3:1 - "Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly."
Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you might be a stumbling block to others? What steps can you take to remove these obstacles and lead by positive example?

Day 4: Preserving the Essence of Faith
Believers are called to maintain the transformative power of the gospel in their lives, akin to being "salted with fire." This metaphor speaks to the purifying and preserving nature of the gospel, which should remain effective in our lives and in the world around us. It is a reminder to hold fast to the essence of our faith and the impact it should have on our conduct and character. [01:03:45]

Colossians 4:5-6 - "Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone."
Reflection: In what ways can you ensure that your faith remains vibrant and influential in your daily life and interactions with others?

Day 5: The Theology of the Cross in Daily Life
The journey of faith involves a tension between the pursuit of earthly glory and the call to follow the way of the cross. Embracing the theology of the cross means prioritizing God's grace and mercy over human achievement. It is a path of sacrifice and service, where true glory is found in self-denial and living for the sake of others. [40:15]

Philippians 2:5-8 - "In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness."
Reflection: What does embracing the theology of the cross look like in your personal life, and how can you practice this in tangible ways this week?

Quotes

1) "The way of greatness is the way of service. That he who is first shall be last. That if you want to be great, you have to be the greatest servant of all." [36:53] (Download)

2) "The path of true glory is the path of the cross. It's on denying oneself and making oneself a servant of all. That's the path of true greatness." [40:15] (Download)

3) "To treat even the least with honor and humility and love. That takes a level of humility yourself. To treat them as great." [43:23] (Download)

4) "Sin is so serious that God had to send his very own son to deal with it. We tend to gloss it over. We don't like to talk about hell. Hell is a hard topic." [57:54] (Download)

5) "To be salted with fire. And what he's saying there is we must be watchful and we must not take the gospel for granted." [01:03:45] (Download)

6) "Greatness is not a thing that can be grasped, can be taken, can be chased after. Instead, greatness is something that cannot be given." [38:21] (Download)

7) "The theology of the cross is what Jesus had his mind set on, saying instead that focuses on instead of human achievement, God's working." [41:23] (Download)

8) "Jesus understood how serious sin was because it was for sin that he was born. Because he was the only one who was born to die." [58:46] (Download)

9) "Jesus picking up this child, he's literally picking up the embodiment of the least. Just the embodiment of the least of that." [42:26] (Download)

10) "The disciples, they can't get their head around the fact that the suffering servant of Isaiah 53 is the same one as the great Son of Man described in Daniel chapter 7." [30:06] (Download)

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?