Redefining Greatness: The Power of Humble Service
Summary
True greatness is often misunderstood, both in the world and even among believers. The world measures greatness by fame, wealth, influence, and personal achievement—who has the most followers, the most championships, or the most impressive resume. But in the kingdom of God, greatness is measured by a completely different standard. Jesus redefined greatness for His disciples, teaching that the greatest among us is not the one who is served, but the one who serves. He modeled this by washing His disciples’ feet, even though He knew He was the Son of God, with all authority and power. His identity was secure, so He could humble Himself and serve others without fear of losing value or dignity.
To live a truly great life, it’s essential to adopt the mindset of Christ. This means thinking like Jesus thinks—knowing who we are in God, secure in our identity, and not threatened by the success or recognition of others. Jesus’ humility did not diminish His divinity; rather, it revealed the heart of God. He chose to use His freedom and authority to serve, not to be served. This is the mind of Christ that we are called to imitate.
Greatness in God’s eyes is also marked by love. The greatest commandment is to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. The true test of spiritual maturity is not how much we know or how much we do, but how deeply we love. Jesus’ love was sacrificial, patient, and inclusive—even to those the world rejected. When we love like Jesus, we reflect His character and make the kingdom visible to the world.
Finally, true greatness is found in doing what Jesus did. He served, He healed, He did good, and He laid down His life for others. Our calling is to follow His example, to be others-minded, and to use our freedom to serve. When we live this way, we leave a legacy that outlasts worldly achievements—a legacy of love, service, and Christlike character. This is the path to true greatness, and it is open to all who will follow Jesus’ example.
Key Takeaways
- Greatness in God’s Kingdom Is Defined by Service, Not Status
The world’s metrics for greatness—accomplishments, recognition, and influence—are not the standards God uses. In God’s kingdom, the greatest is the one who serves, not the one who is served. Jesus Himself, though Lord of all, chose to serve, setting the ultimate example for us to follow. True greatness is found in humble, selfless service to others. [04:36]
- A Secure Identity in Christ Frees Us to Serve Without Fear
Jesus washed His disciples’ feet knowing exactly who He was—sent from God, returning to God, and possessing all authority. His humility did not threaten His identity; it revealed it. When we are secure in who we are in Christ, we are not diminished by serving others, but actually become more like Jesus, reflecting His heart to the world. [19:20]
- Love Is the True Mark of Spiritual Maturity and Greatness
The depth of our love for God and others is the real measure of our spiritual maturity, not our knowledge, religious activity, or public recognition. Jesus’ love was sacrificial and inclusive, reaching even those whom society rejected. When we love like Jesus, we fulfill the greatest commandments and show the world what it means to be His disciple. [24:48]
- Imitating Jesus Means Adopting His Mindset and Actions
To be truly great, we must think like Jesus thinks and do what Jesus does. This means being others-minded, choosing humility, and seeking to add value to others’ lives rather than seeking our own advantage. Discipleship is not just about believing the right things, but embodying the life and love of Christ in practical ways. [28:53]
- A Legacy of Greatness Is Built Through Consistent, Others-Focused Living
The world quickly forgets achievements and accolades, but a life marked by humble service and love leaves a lasting impact. Figures like Mother Teresa and Billy Graham are remembered not for their fame, but for their Christlike service and love. When we live for God’s glory and the good of others, we build a legacy that endures and points people to Jesus. [35:43]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:00] - The World’s Debate: Who Is the Greatest?
[02:45] - Defining Greatness: Stats vs. Standards
[03:31] - Serving in the Church: A Living Example
[04:36] - Jesus’ Redefinition of Greatness
[05:16] - Mother Teresa: A Model of Kingdom Greatness
[08:01] - The World’s Self-Focused Success
[09:22] - The Dangers of Self-Seeking Wisdom
[10:48] - Jesus’ Authority Used for Service
[12:54] - Discipleship: Becoming Like the Teacher
[13:50] - Principle 1: Think Like Jesus Thinks
[16:26] - Jesus Washes Feet: The Power of Humility
[19:20] - Secure Identity and Selfless Service
[23:18] - Principle 2: Love Like Jesus Loves
[24:48] - The Greatest Commandment: Love
[28:24] - Principle 3: Do What Jesus Does
[28:53] - The Example of Jesus: Serving Others
[31:09] - The Church’s Call to Christlike Greatness
[32:44] - Knowing Who You Are in Christ
[34:33] - Living for God’s Glory and Others’ Good
[35:43] - Building a Legacy of Greatness
[36:11] - The Impact of a Great Life
[37:46] - Closing Prayer and Challenge
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: True Greatness
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### Bible Reading
- Luke 22:24-30
(Jesus teaches His disciples about true greatness, saying the greatest is the one who serves.)
- John 13:1-17
(Jesus washes His disciples’ feet, modeling humble service.)
- Philippians 2:1-9
(Paul describes Jesus’ humility and mindset, calling us to have the same attitude.)
---
### Observation Questions
1. In Luke 22:24-30, what were the disciples arguing about, and how did Jesus respond to their debate about greatness? [02:45]
2. According to John 13:1-17, what did Jesus do for His disciples at the Last Supper, and what was significant about this act? [16:26]
3. In Philippians 2:1-9, how does Paul describe Jesus’ attitude and actions toward others? What does it mean that Jesus “made himself nothing”? [17:08]
4. The sermon mentioned that Jesus’ identity was secure even as He served others. What details from the passages show that Jesus knew who He was? [19:20]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus chose to serve His disciples by washing their feet, even though He had all authority and power? What does this reveal about God’s heart? [16:26]
2. The world often measures greatness by status, fame, or achievement. According to Jesus’ teaching and example, why is service the true measure of greatness in God’s kingdom? [04:36]
3. How does being secure in our identity in Christ free us to serve others without fear or insecurity? What might keep someone from serving if they are not secure in their identity? [19:20]
4. The sermon says that love is the true mark of spiritual maturity and greatness. Why is love, rather than knowledge or religious activity, the real test of maturity? [24:48]
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### Application Questions
1. Think about a time when you were tempted to measure your worth by achievements, recognition, or what others think. How can you remind yourself this week that your value comes from your identity in Christ, not from what you do or what others say? [20:20]
2. Jesus washed His disciples’ feet, even knowing He was about to be betrayed and crucified. Is there someone in your life who is hard to serve or love? What is one practical way you can serve them this week, following Jesus’ example? [16:26]
3. The sermon challenged us to “think like Jesus thinks.” What is one area of your life where you need to adopt Jesus’ mindset of humility and service? How can you take a step in that direction? [13:50]
4. The world says, “Look out for number one.” In what ways do you see this attitude in your own life? What would it look like to intentionally put others first in a specific situation this week? [08:01]
5. The sermon highlighted that love is the greatest commandment. Who is one “neighbor” (family, friend, coworker, or even someone you find difficult) you can intentionally show Christlike love to this week? What will you do? [24:48]
6. Jesus left a legacy of service and love. What kind of legacy do you want to leave for your family, friends, or community? What is one small step you can take this month to build that legacy? [35:43]
7. The sermon mentioned examples like Mother Teresa and Billy Graham, who are remembered for their Christlike service. Who is someone you admire for their humble service, and what can you learn from their example to apply in your own life? [05:16]
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Close in prayer, asking God to help you think like Jesus, love like Jesus, and serve like Jesus in your daily life.
Devotional
Day 1: True Greatness Is Found in Serving Others
True greatness in the kingdom of God is not measured by status, recognition, or worldly achievements, but by a willingness to serve others selflessly. Jesus redefined greatness for His disciples, teaching that the one who serves is the greatest, not the one who is served. In a world that often celebrates power, fame, and self-promotion, Jesus calls His followers to a radically different standard—one where humility and service are the true marks of greatness. When we serve others, whether in visible roles or behind the scenes, we reflect the heart of Christ and participate in the legacy of those who have left an indelible mark through their love and sacrifice. [04:36]
Luke 22:24-30 (ESV)
A dispute also arose among them, as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest. And he said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves. 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. You are those who have stayed with me in my trials, and I assign to you, as my Father assigned to me, a kingdom, that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”
Reflection: Who is someone you can serve today in a practical, humble way, even if no one else notices or acknowledges it?
Day 2: Rejecting Self-Seeking Wisdom for God’s Way
The world often encourages us to look out for ourselves, to ask “what’s in it for me?” and to pursue our own interests above all else. But Scripture warns that this self-seeking attitude is not from God; it leads to confusion and every evil thing. Instead, God calls us to a wisdom that is pure, peaceable, gentle, and full of mercy—a wisdom that puts others first and seeks the good of our neighbor. When we reject selfish ambition and embrace God’s way, our lives become compelling testimonies of His love and grace, standing in stark contrast to the world’s standards. [09:22]
James 3:13-17 (ESV)
Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.
Reflection: In what area of your life are you tempted to put your own interests first, and how can you choose God’s wisdom and put others ahead of yourself today?
Day 3: Think Like Jesus Thinks
Jesus, knowing His identity, authority, and destiny, chose to humble Himself and serve others, even washing His disciples’ feet in His final hours. His mindset was not threatened by serving; He understood that true value and greatness are not diminished by humility. Instead of seeking recognition or glory, Jesus considered others above Himself and used His freedom to serve. As followers of Christ, we are called to adopt this same mindset, finding our worth in God’s love and choosing to serve regardless of our position or what others may think. [19:20]
Philippians 2:5-8 (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. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Reflection: What is one way you can intentionally humble yourself and serve someone this week, following the example and mindset of Jesus?
Day 4: Love Like Jesus Loves
The greatest commandment is to love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself. Jesus’ entire life and ministry were motivated by love—for the Father, for His disciples, and for the world. True greatness in the kingdom is not measured by knowledge, religious activity, or outward success, but by the depth and authenticity of our love. This love is not just for those who are easy to love, but extends to the unlovely, the outcast, and even those who may never repay us. When we love like Jesus, we show the world that we are truly His disciples. [24:48]
Mark 12:30-31 (ESV)
And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.
Reflection: Who is one person in your life who is difficult to love, and how can you show them Christlike love in action this week?
Day 5: Do What Jesus Does—Serve and Bless Others
Jesus not only taught about serving, He modeled it by washing His disciples’ feet and instructing them to do the same for one another. He made it clear that the path to blessing and greatness is found in doing what He did—serving, loving, and seeking the good of others. Our calling as disciples is to follow His example, to be others-minded, and to use our freedom to add value to the lives of those around us. When we live this way, we bring glory to God and leave a legacy that points others to Christ. [29:28]
John 13:12-17 (ESV)
When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. 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. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.
Reflection: What is one specific act of service you can do today to bless someone in your family, church, or community, following the example of Jesus?
Quotes
The true mark of maturity and greatness in the kingdom of God is love. I'm just gonna tell you that it's not Bible knowledge. It's not hours logged in prayer. It's not good deeds or charitable giving. It's not showing up to every service and giving tithes and offerings. The greatest indicator of your maturity as a Christian is do you love like God loves? Do you live in love like Jesus lived in love? [00:24:14] (27 seconds)
He didn't leverage his authority to lord it over people. He didn't come in and say, yo, I'm the Messiah, bow down to me. And remember, he said, if I wanted to, I can call legions of angels like that and they can come wreck everything. They can impose my authority. They can stand behind me. They can go out and they can make everybody bow and no one can stop me. If Jesus revealed himself in all his glory, every human being would fall down at his feet like dead. But he didn't come that way. He didn't do it that way. He used his authority to serve people. [00:10:45] (34 seconds)
If you want to be great, you need to know who God says you are. You need to know God's thoughts about you because then you won't define yourself by everyone else's. And if you want to be great, you have to adopt the mind of Christ. You have to think like Jesus thinks. [00:23:18] (17 seconds)
If Jesus was a king willing to serve, are we not kings and priests unto our God? If he was a king and a priest willing to serve, should we not also be kings and priests? Well, he said, I'm your Lord and I'm your teacher. You're right. I'm your master. I am your teacher. I got no problems being the authority. He said, but think about if I'm your Lord, if I'm your master and I'm serving, think about what that means to you. [00:31:29] (30 seconds)
When we love like Jesus loves, we're empowered to do what Jesus does. Means we live for the glory of God and for the good of others. That everything we do, our good works, what happens? Results in them and people turn around saying, God is good. [00:35:06] (15 seconds)
How do I know what great looks like? Because I've seen Jesus. I've seen him serving people and loving people and going to people and reaching out to people and telling people the good news, even when that good news might hurt their feelings. Going to them and saying, listen, if you live this life, it will destroy you. But if you'll follow me and lay down that life, you'll take up your cross. You'll walk with me. You'll do what I do and say what I say. I promise you, you'll find a place in my father's house. I promise you, your sins will be washed away. I promise you, you'll be clothed in white. I promise you, you'll walk in power and authority. I promise you that no devil in hell can stomp you, step you and do anything in your face. What does greatness look like? It looks like Jesus. [00:30:31] (42 seconds)
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