Redefining Greatness: The Call to Servanthood
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound and often countercultural teachings of Jesus regarding greatness and servanthood. Reflecting on personal experiences, I shared a story from my past where I allowed pride and a desire for recognition to cloud my judgment, leading me to leave a church community. This story serves as a backdrop to the central theme of our discussion: the human tendency to seek acknowledgment and status, and how Jesus challenges this mindset.
We delved into the Gospel of Mark, where Jesus repeatedly predicts his suffering and death, only to be met with the disciples' preoccupation with their own status. Jesus uses these moments to teach that true greatness in his kingdom is found not in power or position, but in serving others, especially those who are marginalized and insignificant in the eyes of society. By placing a child, a symbol of low status in the first-century world, at the center of his teaching, Jesus illustrates that the path to greatness is through humility and service.
The essence of serving, as Jesus demonstrated, is not about obligation or seeking recognition but is rooted in love and gratitude. We can serve without love, but we cannot love without serving. Jesus' life exemplifies this as he came not to be served, but to serve, ultimately giving his life as a ransom for many. This act of service is the foundation upon which we are called to build our lives.
We also discussed practical ways to serve, emphasizing the importance of hidden service, guarding others' reputations, and the service of being served. These acts help us combat self-centeredness and cultivate humility. Serving is a reflection of our heart's condition, revealing whether we seek to glorify ourselves or genuinely care for others.
As we concluded, we participated in communion, a reminder of Jesus' ultimate act of service and sacrifice. This sacred tradition calls us to remember and emulate Jesus' example of servanthood in our daily lives. Let us continue to seek ways to serve others with pure hearts, motivated by the love and grace we have received.
Key Takeaways:
1. True Greatness in Service: Jesus redefines greatness as serving others, especially those who are marginalized. This challenges our natural inclination to seek status and recognition, urging us to adopt a servant's heart. [38:48]
2. Serving with Love, Not Obligation: Genuine service stems from love and gratitude, not from obligation or a desire for recognition. We can serve without love, but true love always manifests in service. [44:47]
3. The Power of Hidden Service: Serving in secret helps combat self-centeredness and cultivates humility. It challenges us to serve without seeking acknowledgment, focusing instead on the needs of others. [51:15]
4. Understanding Jesus' Service to Us: Our ability to serve like Jesus is rooted in understanding how he serves us. Recognizing his sacrifice and love empowers us to serve others selflessly. [47:38]
5. Reflecting on Our Motives: Serving reveals the condition of our hearts. We must examine our motives, ensuring that our service is driven by love and not by a desire for personal gain or recognition. [56:04]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:45] - Personal Story of Pride
- [03:30] - Introduction to Jesus Unfiltered Series
- [05:15] - Disciples' Misunderstanding of Greatness
- [08:00] - Jesus' Teaching on Servanthood
- [10:30] - The Significance of the Child
- [13:00] - Serving with Pure Motives
- [15:45] - Repeated Lessons in Mark's Gospel
- [18:30] - Jesus' Kingdom vs. Worldly Kingdoms
- [21:00] - Understanding Jesus' Service
- [24:00] - Practical Ways to Serve
- [27:00] - The Service of Hiddenness
- [30:00] - Reflecting on Our Motives
- [33:00] - Communion and Jesus' Sacrifice
- [36:00] - Closing Prayer and Dismissal
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Mark 9:33-37
- Mark 10:35-45
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Observation Questions:
1. In Mark 9:33-37, what were the disciples arguing about on the road, and how did Jesus respond to their discussion? [35:35]
2. How does Jesus use the example of a child in Mark 9:36-37 to illustrate his teaching on greatness and servanthood? [38:48]
3. In Mark 10:35-45, what request do James and John make to Jesus, and how does Jesus use this moment to teach about leadership and service? [41:18]
4. What does Jesus mean when he says, "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"? [44:47]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Jesus' teaching on servanthood in Mark 9:35 challenge the disciples' and our own understanding of greatness? [38:48]
2. What does the use of a child as an example in Jesus' teaching reveal about the values of his kingdom compared to the values of the world? [38:48]
3. How does Jesus' response to James and John's request in Mark 10:42-45 redefine leadership and authority in the context of his kingdom? [41:18]
4. In what ways does understanding Jesus' service to us, as mentioned in Mark 10:45, empower us to serve others selflessly? [44:47]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you sought recognition or status. How did that experience align or conflict with Jesus' teaching on servanthood? [35:35]
2. Jesus uses a child to illustrate humility and service. How can you incorporate this perspective into your daily interactions, especially with those who may be marginalized or overlooked? [38:48]
3. Consider the motives behind your acts of service. Are they driven by love and gratitude, or by obligation and a desire for recognition? How can you shift your focus to align more closely with Jesus' example? [44:47]
4. Jesus emphasizes the importance of hidden service. Identify one way you can serve someone this week without seeking acknowledgment. How might this practice impact your heart and mindset? [51:15]
5. Reflect on the concept of being served. How comfortable are you with allowing others to serve you, and how might this openness foster a deeper sense of community and humility? [51:15]
6. Jesus' life was a model of servanthood. What specific steps can you take to emulate his example in your family, workplace, or community? [44:47]
7. During communion, we remember Jesus' ultimate act of service. How can this sacred tradition inspire you to seek out and engage in acts of service with a pure heart? [58:05]
Devotional
Day 1: Redefining Greatness Through Service
True greatness is not measured by power or status but by the willingness to serve others, especially those marginalized by society. Jesus challenges the conventional understanding of greatness by placing a child, a symbol of low status in the first-century world, at the center of his teaching. This act illustrates that the path to greatness is through humility and service. By serving others, we align ourselves with the values of Jesus' kingdom, which stands in stark contrast to worldly kingdoms that prioritize power and recognition. [38:48]
Mark 9:35-37 (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.' And he took a child and put him in the midst of them, and taking him in his arms, he said to them, 'Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me.'"
Reflection: Who in your life is often overlooked or marginalized? How can you serve them this week in a way that reflects Jesus' teaching on true greatness?
Day 2: Love as the Foundation of Service
Genuine service is rooted in love and gratitude, not obligation or a desire for recognition. While it is possible to serve without love, true love always manifests in acts of service. Jesus exemplified this by coming not to be served, but to serve, ultimately giving his life as a ransom for many. This selfless act of love and service is the foundation upon which we are called to build our lives. [44:47]
1 John 3:18 (ESV): "Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth."
Reflection: Think of a recent act of service you performed. Was it motivated by love and gratitude, or by obligation? How can you ensure your future acts of service are rooted in genuine love?
Day 3: The Humility of Hidden Service
Serving in secret helps combat self-centeredness and cultivates humility. It challenges us to serve without seeking acknowledgment, focusing instead on the needs of others. This form of service reflects the condition of our hearts, revealing whether we seek to glorify ourselves or genuinely care for others. By practicing hidden service, we align ourselves with the humble nature of Jesus' ministry. [51:15]
Matthew 6:3-4 (ESV): "But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you."
Reflection: Identify one way you can serve someone this week without them knowing. How does this act of hidden service challenge your desire for recognition?
Day 4: Embracing Jesus' Example of Service
Our ability to serve like Jesus is rooted in understanding how he serves us. Recognizing his sacrifice and love empowers us to serve others selflessly. Jesus' life and ministry provide a model for us to follow, demonstrating that true service is not about seeking personal gain but about giving of ourselves for the benefit of others. [47:38]
Philippians 2:5-7 (ESV): "Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men."
Reflection: Reflect on Jesus' ultimate act of service on the cross. How does understanding his sacrifice inspire you to serve others in your daily life?
Day 5: Examining the Motives of Our Service
Serving reveals the condition of our hearts. It is essential to examine our motives, ensuring that our service is driven by love and not by a desire for personal gain or recognition. By reflecting on our intentions, we can align our actions with the selfless love that Jesus demonstrated, allowing us to serve others with pure hearts. [56:04]
Proverbs 16:2 (ESV): "All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirit."
Reflection: Consider your current motivations for serving others. Are there areas where you seek recognition or personal gain? How can you shift your focus to serve with a pure heart motivated by love?
Quotes
"If you want to be truly great, Jesus says, you will serve others. Especially those who are furthest away from the head table. Status is bestowed in Jesus' kingdom on those who serve. Especially serving the lowest. But that's not how our world works, is it? Think about your workplace, your school, your sports teams." [00:38:52] (32 seconds)
"In his book, Servolution, the author points out, If my service comes from an attitude of obligation, or manipulation, or guilt, the impact is much different than if it generates from a genuine place in my heart to be kind. Serving others, he writes, with a pure motive says to them, I may not know much about you, but I care about you." [00:39:28] (27 seconds)
"You can serve without loving. You can. And you've probably all been in places where people served you, and you were pretty clear that they didn't love you, and probably wished you would go away. You can serve without loving, but you cannot love without serving. You can grudgingly pick up the towel and serve someone while resenting them." [00:40:10] (36 seconds)
"Jesus called them all together. You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lorded over them, and their high officials exercised authority over them. Not so with you. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be the first must be the slave of all." [00:42:10] (22 seconds)
"The Son of Man came to serve. And only because of that are we able to understand and take on the role of a servant. The more we struggle with that, the more we'll struggle to actually live out Jesus' instruction to be great by serving. The creator of the universe walked in dusty sandals and sacrificed his life to serve you and me." [00:47:06] (30 seconds)
"Serving is a powerful practice, by the way, to break this stranglehold that we all wrestle with of self-absorption, of self-centeredness. So, in his book, Celebration of Discipline, the author talks about different ways of serving. And one of those he talks about is a serving of hiddenness. So, I want to show you this short little video clip here, if we can." [00:48:28] (31 seconds)
"Serving is going to reveal what is in your heart. This is why the disciples wrestled with it. Right? This is why they kept jockeying for the head table. Because what was in their heart was, I want to be acknowledged. I want to be given the credit. I want to be seen as someone who's sitting at the head table. Serving is a way to cultivate humility." [00:54:18] (25 seconds)
"Humility, which, by the way, humility isn't thinking less of yourself. It's just thinking of yourself less. You understand that? Humility doesn't mean I'm not a good person. I'm not a valuable person. It just means I'm not always thinking about myself. As one author puts it, the flesh whines against service but screams against hidden service." [00:54:59] (25 seconds)
"Jesus didn't come to be served, but to serve. And that includes serving you and me. And he invites us into that same life, into a way of serving that really comes from a heart of gratitude, of understanding what has been done for us. So this morning, we want to remember that service. We want to remember the sacrifice, the ransom that was paid for us through the tradition of communion." [00:57:57] (32 seconds)
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