Redefining Greatness: The Power of Serving Others
Summary
The sermon delivered by the speaker revolves around the concept of true greatness as defined by Jesus Christ, contrasting it with the world's perception of greatness. The speaker begins by challenging the congregation's understanding of greatness, which is often associated with fame, wealth, and power. They use the example of Joey Chestnut, the hot dog eating champion, to illustrate how society celebrates certain achievements as great. However, the speaker redirects the focus to Jesus' teachings, where greatness is not measured by what one receives but by what one gives.
The speaker recounts the story of James and John, two of Jesus' disciples, whose mother asked Jesus for positions of authority for her sons in His kingdom. This request sparked indignation among the other disciples, but Jesus used this moment to redefine greatness. He taught that true greatness lies in serving others, a concept that was countercultural at the time and remains so today. The speaker emphasizes that Jesus himself embodied this principle by washing the feet of His disciples, a task reserved for the lowest servant, and ultimately giving His life as a ransom for many.
Personal stories, such as the one about Miss Ruby, an elderly church member who writes cards to the pastor, illustrate the impact of simple acts of service. The pastor admits that he did not always appreciate the cards, but over time, he recognized the effort and love behind them. This story underscores the sermon's message that true greatness is found in serving others, even in small ways.
The speaker also addresses the congregation's potential concerns about not having enough time or resources to serve others. They present a graphic showing the distribution of wealth, pointing out that even if individuals do not consider themselves rich, they are wealthy from a global perspective. The speaker encourages the audience to recognize the abundance God has provided and to use their time, talent, and treasure to serve others.
In conclusion, the sermon calls for a shift from a "me" to a "we" mindset, urging the congregation to live for others and prioritize the well-being of the community. The speaker reminds them that they cannot take material possessions with them after death and that true treasures are stored in heaven through acts of service and love.
Key Takeaways:
- True greatness in the eyes of God is not about personal achievements or recognition but is found in the humble and often unnoticed acts of service. The image of a mother tirelessly cleaning up after her children or a volunteer dedicating time to ministry work exemplifies the kind of greatness Jesus values, which is about living for others and making a difference in their lives. [13:57]
- The abundance that Christians experience through salvation, love, acceptance, and provision from God should lead to a lifestyle of generosity. Believers are encouraged to wake up with the mindset that they have everything they need and to give as much as they can, in response to the abundance they have received from God. This mindset is not only an act of worship but also a testament to God's faithfulness in providing for His children. [27:53]
- The concept of servanthood is central to Jesus' teaching on greatness. The speaker's reflection on the Roman Empire's fall and the enduring power of Jesus' message highlights the importance of aligning oneself with the values of Jesus' kingdom. True greatness is not about accumulating wealth or power but about serving others and trusting in the Lord's provision. [09:42]
- The speaker challenges the cultural and personal barriers that prevent individuals from living a life of service. By highlighting the wealth distribution globally, they encourage the congregation to recognize their relative wealth and the opportunities they have to serve others. This perspective shift is crucial for embracing a lifestyle that reflects Jesus' definition of greatness. [20:00]
- The speaker's personal story about Miss Ruby's cards illustrates the value of serving others in ways that may seem small but carry significant meaning. True greatness is often found in these quiet, consistent acts of kindness that reflect Jesus' love and servant-hearted nature. By prioritizing giving and serving as primary purposes in life, Christians can live in a way that honors God and draws others to Him. [17:44]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Matthew 20:20-28 (ESV)
> "Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came up to him with her sons, and kneeling before him she asked him for something. And he said to her, 'What do you want?' She said to him, 'Say that these two sons of mine are to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom.' Jesus answered, 'You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am to drink?' They said to him, 'We are able.' He said to them, 'You will drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.' And when the ten heard it, they were indignant at the two brothers. But Jesus called them to him and said, 'You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What request did the mother of James and John make to Jesus, and how did Jesus respond? [04:54]
2. How did the other disciples react to the request made by James and John's mother? [05:27]
3. According to Jesus, what is the true measure of greatness in the Kingdom of God? [09:06]
4. What example did Jesus set to illustrate true greatness, as mentioned in the sermon? [23:58]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus emphasized servanthood as the path to greatness? How does this contrast with the world's view of greatness? [09:42]
2. How does the story of Miss Ruby and her cards illustrate the sermon's message about true greatness? [17:44]
3. What does the graphic showing the distribution of wealth globally aim to teach the congregation about their own resources and potential for service? [20:00]
4. How does Jesus' act of washing the disciples' feet serve as a model for us today? What does it teach us about leadership and service? [23:58]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you seek recognition or authority rather than opportunities to serve? How can you shift your focus to align with Jesus' definition of greatness? [09:42]
2. Think about a time when you felt too busy or resource-limited to serve others. How can you reframe your perspective to see the abundance in your life and find ways to serve? [20:00]
3. Miss Ruby's consistent act of writing cards may seem small but carries significant meaning. What small, consistent act of service can you commit to in your community or church? [17:44]
4. Jesus calls us to live with a "we" mindset rather than a "me" mindset. What practical steps can you take this week to prioritize the well-being of others in your family, workplace, or community? [13:57]
5. The sermon mentioned that true treasures are stored in heaven through acts of service and love. How can you start storing up these treasures in your daily life? What specific actions will you take? [31:48]
6. Reflect on the idea that Jesus served humanity by giving His life. How does this ultimate act of service inspire you to serve others sacrificially? [23:58]
7. Identify one person in your life who could benefit from an act of service. What will you do this week to serve them in a meaningful way? [17:44]
Devotional
Day 1: Greatness Through Humble Service
True greatness is found in the quiet, selfless acts of serving others without seeking recognition. It is the mother cleaning up after her children, the volunteer dedicating time to ministry work, and the countless small gestures of kindness that embody Christ's love. These actions, often unnoticed, are what define true greatness in the kingdom of God. [13:57]
Matthew 23:11-12 - "The greatest among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."
Reflection: Who can you serve today in a way that seeks no recognition but simply reflects the love of Christ?
Day 2: Generosity from God's Abundance
Recognizing the abundance we have in Christ leads to a lifestyle of generosity. Waking up with the mindset that we have everything we need, we are called to give generously in response to the love, acceptance, and provision we have received from God. This act of giving is both worship and a testament to His faithfulness. [27:53]
2 Corinthians 8:9 - "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich."
Reflection: How can you demonstrate generosity today as a response to the abundance you have received in Christ?
Day 3: Servanthood as True Power
The enduring message of Jesus teaches that true power and greatness come from servanthood, not from wealth or authority. Aligning with the values of Jesus' kingdom means serving others and trusting in God's provision, rather than seeking to accumulate power for oneself. [09:42]
Mark 10:43-45 - "Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 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."
Reflection: In what ways can you adopt a servant's heart today, putting the needs of others before your own desires?
Day 4: Embracing a Life of Service
Cultural and personal barriers often prevent us from living a life of service. By recognizing our relative wealth and the opportunities we have to serve, we can shift our perspective and embrace a lifestyle that reflects Jesus' definition of greatness. [20:00]
1 Peter 4:10 - "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms."
Reflection: What barriers have been preventing you from serving others, and how can you overcome them to live out your calling as a servant of Christ?
Day 5: The Significance of Small Acts
The value of serving others can be found in small, consistent acts of kindness. Miss Ruby's cards to the pastor are a reminder that true greatness often lies in these quiet gestures of love that can carry significant meaning for both the giver and the receiver. [17:44]
Hebrews 6:10 - "God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them."
Reflection: What small act of kindness can you perform today that might seem insignificant but could have a profound impact on someone's life?
Quotes
"God has provided for us abundantly. God has given us so much, and even in our advanced world, we have modern conveniences that would allow us more time to do more." [21:53]
"When God looks down and he sees a tired mom picking up cereal off of the rug under the table, knowing that she will be doing the exact same thing tomorrow morning because the kids spill cereal on the table and the rug every morning, God looks down as you are bending down on your crickety knees and says, 'Greatness, that is greatness for real,' and the world knows nothing of this." [14:33]
"Jesus is the greatest name because Jesus became the greatest servant... Jesus has influenced the world more than anybody else has." [25:08]
"What makes something valuable in the world today is if it's rare, right? Something is valuable if it's rare or not common. And when you see it from that perspective, it makes sense because when you see somebody in the world who is focused on getting, that's not great, that's not rare, that's so common. But what about somebody focused on giving or serving? That is rare." [18:19]
"True greatness is about we not me, that true greatness is not measured in getting, it's measured in giving." [10:51]
"Whoever will be great among you must be your servant, and whoever will be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many." [06:01]
"Jesus was a radical servant, and the church that he established exists today and it's powerful in the right way." [36:43]
"If you will live for we and not just me, the great that you do will literally last for eternity." [37:25]
"I really believe that what God is doing here is amazing, and it's because you are generous people." [38:04]
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