Redefining Greatness: Serving Others in Humility
Summary
Greatness is something that resonates deeply within each of us. From childhood, we are drawn to stories of heroes and inspired by the idea of being the best—whether in sports, academics, or our careers. Yet, as we journey through life, our understanding of greatness is often shaped by the world’s standards: position, popularity, prosperity, and achievement. We chase after these things, sometimes feeling that greatness is just out of reach, or that our opportunity for it has passed us by. But the longing for greatness is not wrong; it is part of how God has made us, for we are created in His image and called to reflect His greatness.
However, the world’s definition of greatness is not the same as God’s. Jesus’ disciples struggled with this, arguing among themselves about who was the greatest, even as Jesus was preparing to lay down His life for them. Their pride and worldly ambitions blinded them to the true nature of greatness in God’s kingdom. Jesus redefined greatness for them—and for us—by teaching that to be first, one must be last and servant of all. He illustrated this by embracing a child, the least in society, and declaring that welcoming the least is to welcome Him and the Father who sent Him.
True greatness, then, is not found in being served, but in serving others. It is not about recognition, authority, or being at the front of the line, but about humility, selflessness, and putting others before ourselves. This is a radical, countercultural call that challenges our pride and our desire for affirmation. Yet, it is in humble service—especially to those who cannot repay us or who are overlooked by the world—that we most clearly reflect the heart of Christ.
Even when we feel our time for greatness has passed, God’s call remains. Whether through acts of service, words of encouragement, or even the quiet ministry of prayer, we can leave a legacy of greatness that endures in the lives of others. Our greatness is not measured by earthly standards, but by our willingness to serve, to love, and to be vessels of God’s reconciling grace. In Christ, we are given a new identity and a new mission: to be His ambassadors, carrying His greatness into every relationship and every moment, until the day we hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Key Takeaways
- The Pursuit of Greatness Is Universal, but Its Definition Matters
Every person is wired with a longing for greatness, a desire to make a mark and be significant. Yet, when we chase after the world’s version—measured by status, achievement, or recognition—we often end up dissatisfied or disillusioned. God’s design for greatness is different: it is a gift to be stewarded, not a prize to be seized. True greatness is found in aligning our desires with God’s purpose for our lives. [21:49]
- Pride and Worldly Ambition Blind Us to Spiritual Truth
The disciples’ argument about who was the greatest reveals how pride can fill our hearts and cloud our understanding of God’s ways. When we are preoccupied with our own advancement, we become deaf to the deeper truths Jesus wants to teach us. Pride is not just self-exaltation; it is a barrier that keeps us from embracing the humility and servanthood that define God’s kingdom. [39:31]
- Greatness in God’s Kingdom Means Being Last and Serving All
Jesus turns the world’s values upside down by declaring that the greatest is the one who is last and servant of all. This is not about false humility or self-negation, but about intentionally seeking to serve others, especially those who are overlooked or undervalued. The call to serve is not limited to those we like or find convenient, but extends to everyone, everywhere, every day. [44:28]
- Our Legacy of Greatness Is Measured by Humble Service, Not Recognition
The story of Peggy, who served through prayer and encouragement even in her frailty, reminds us that greatness is not about public accolades or visible achievements. God values the quiet, faithful acts of service that often go unnoticed by the world. Our legacy is built not on what we accumulate or accomplish, but on the lives we touch and the love we share in Christ’s name. [53:34]
- God Entrusts Us with His Greatness to Reconcile Others
As followers of Jesus, we are called to be His ambassadors, carrying His message and His heart into the world. When we serve others in humility, we become vessels through which God’s reconciling love is made visible. Our greatness is not for our own sake, but so that others might encounter Christ through us and be drawn into relationship with Him. [48:41]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[20:27] - The Universal Longing for Greatness
[21:49] - Childhood Pursuits and the Shifting Definition of Greatness
[22:56] - Chasing Greatness in Ministry and Life
[24:47] - Passing the Torch and the Pain of Change
[26:53] - Doubt, Disappointment, and the Wrong Definition of Greatness
[32:12] - Jesus’ Mission and the True Son of Man
[33:42] - The Disciples’ Misunderstanding and the Promise of Redemption
[35:24] - Pride and the Disciples’ Argument
[39:31] - Pride as a Barrier to Spiritual Truth
[40:59] - Missing the Invitation to True Greatness
[42:51] - The World’s Definition vs. God’s Definition
[44:28] - Greatness as Humble Service
[48:41] - Serving All: The Example of Jesus
[53:34] - Legacy of Greatness: The Story of Peggy
[54:35] - A Life of Unselfish Service
[56:24] - Living for the Applause of Heaven
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: “Who Is the Greatest?”
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### Bible Reading
Mark 9:30-37 (ESV)
30 They went on from there and passed through Galilee. And he did not want anyone to know, 31 for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him. And when he is killed, after three days he will rise.” 32 But they did not understand the saying, and were afraid to ask him.
33 And they came to Capernaum. And when he was in the house he asked them, “What were you discussing on the way?” 34 But they kept silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest. 35 And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” 36 And he took a child and put him in the midst of them, and taking him in his arms, he said to them, 37 “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me.”
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Mark 9:33-34, what were the disciples arguing about as they traveled with Jesus?
2. In verse 35, what does Jesus say is required to be “first” or “greatest” in God’s kingdom?
3. What is the significance of Jesus placing a child in the midst of the disciples and his statement in verse 37?
4. The sermon described how the disciples’ pride and ambition blinded them to Jesus’ teaching about greatness. What evidence of this do you see in the passage? [[35:24]]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the disciples struggled to understand Jesus’ prediction of his suffering and resurrection, even after witnessing his miracles and glory? [[33:42]]
2. How does Jesus’ definition of greatness challenge the way people usually think about success and recognition? [[44:28]]
3. The sermon mentioned that pride can keep us from hearing spiritual truth. In what ways might pride or ambition prevent someone from embracing Jesus’ call to serve? [[39:31]]
4. What does it mean for someone to “receive a child in Jesus’ name,” and how does this relate to serving those who are overlooked or undervalued? [[45:22]]
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### Application Questions
1. The longing for greatness is described as something God put in us, but the world’s definition is different from God’s. In what areas of your life do you find yourself chasing after the world’s version of greatness (status, achievement, recognition)? How does this affect your sense of purpose or satisfaction? [[21:49]]
2. The disciples argued about who was the greatest, even while Jesus was preparing to lay down his life. Are there places in your life—work, family, church—where pride or competition gets in the way of serving others? What would it look like to “be last and servant of all” in those situations? [[35:24]]
3. Jesus used a child as an example of the “least” in society. Who are the “least” in your world—people who are overlooked, undervalued, or unable to repay you? What is one practical way you could serve or welcome someone like this in the coming week? [[45:22]]
4. The story of Peggy in the sermon showed that greatness can be lived out even in frailty or obscurity, through prayer and encouragement. Is there a “quiet” way you could serve or encourage others that might not be noticed by the world, but is significant in God’s eyes? [[53:34]]
5. The sermon said our legacy is measured by humble service, not recognition. What kind of legacy do you want to leave? Are there changes you need to make in your daily life to align more with Jesus’ definition of greatness? [[54:35]]
6. Jesus calls us to serve “all”—not just those we like or find convenient. Is there someone in your life right now whom you find difficult to serve or love? What step could you take to move toward serving them this week? [[48:41]]
7. The sermon ended with the idea of living for the “applause of heaven” rather than the applause of people. What would it look like for you to seek God’s approval above all else in your daily decisions and relationships? [[56:24]]
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Ask God to help you see greatness as He defines it, to give you a humble heart, and to show you opportunities to serve others in His name this week.
Devotional
Day 1: True Greatness Is Found in Humble Service
Greatness in God's kingdom is not about position, popularity, or prosperity, but about being last of all and servant of all. Jesus redefines greatness for His disciples, teaching that the world's standards—being first, being recognized, or being served—are not what matter most. Instead, He calls His followers to intentionally put others before themselves, to serve even when it is inconvenient or uncomfortable, and to seek opportunities to lift up the least and the overlooked. This countercultural call is a daily invitation to humble ourselves, to see greatness as God sees it, and to serve everyone, everywhere, every day. [44:28]
Mark 9:35 (ESV)
And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.”
Reflection: Who is someone in your life today that you tend to overlook or avoid serving? How can you intentionally put their needs before your own this week?
Day 2: Pride Blinds Us to God’s Definition of Greatness
Pride fills us with worldly notions of greatness, making it difficult to understand and embrace the simple spiritual truth Jesus offers. The disciples, like many of us, were so caught up in their own ambitions and ideas of what greatness should look like that they missed the heart of Jesus’ teaching. Pride keeps us comparing, competing, and striving for recognition, rather than humbly receiving the greatness God gives and calls us to live out. Only by letting go of our self-importance can we truly see and accept the greatness that comes from God. [39:31]
Matthew 16:22-23 (ESV)
And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you.” But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.”
Reflection: In what area of your life are you most tempted to seek recognition or compare yourself to others? What would it look like to surrender that area to God’s definition of greatness?
Day 3: Jesus’ Mission Redefines Our Pursuit of Greatness
Jesus, the Son of Man, came not to be served but to serve, to give His life as a ransom for many, and to fulfill the promises of God by suffering, dying, and rising again. His mission was not about earthly power or glory, but about sacrificial love and redemption. When we understand that Jesus’ greatness was displayed in humility and self-giving, it transforms our own pursuit of greatness—calling us to follow in His footsteps, to embrace sacrifice, and to find our worth in His love and purpose for us. [32:12]
Mark 9:31 (ESV)
For he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him. And when he is killed, after three days he will rise.”
Reflection: How does knowing that Jesus’ greatness was shown through sacrifice and service challenge your own ambitions and goals? What is one way you can imitate His example this week?
Day 4: God’s Greatness Is a Gift to Be Shared
God’s greatness is not something we achieve on our own, but a gift He gives us through Christ. We are created in His image, redeemed by His grace, and called to reflect His greatness by serving others. Even when we feel our time for greatness has passed, or when our abilities are limited, God still works through us—sometimes in the quietest, most humble acts of faithfulness. Our legacy of greatness is not measured by worldly standards, but by the lives we touch and the love we share in Christ’s name. [53:34]
1 Peter 5:6 (ESV)
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you.
Reflection: Is there a place in your life where you feel your opportunity for greatness has passed? How might God be inviting you to share His greatness in a new or humble way today?
Day 5: We Are Ambassadors of God’s Greatness
As followers of Jesus, we are entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation—called to be His ambassadors, representing Christ to the world through our words, actions, and humble service. When we serve others, especially the least and the overlooked, we reveal not only Jesus but also the heart of the Father. Our acts of mercy and compassion become the legacy of God’s greatness, changing lives and pointing others to Him. No matter our age or circumstance, we are invited to wake up each day and intentionally live out this calling, knowing that the true scoreboard of heaven is measured by love and service. [48:41]
2 Corinthians 5:17-20 (ESV)
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.
Reflection: Who in your life needs to experience God’s love and reconciliation through you? What is one specific act of service or encouragement you can offer them this week?
Quotes
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