Servanthood: The Heart of God's Kingdom Revealed
Summary
The journey through the Gospel of Mark and the book of Leviticus reveals the profound connection between servanthood and the heart of God’s kingdom. There is a danger in becoming too familiar with Jesus, where the truths that once moved us become mere facts. To avoid this, we must continually seek fresh revelation—fresh “bread”—from God’s presence, just as the priests in the tabernacle received new loaves each week. True intimacy with Christ is found in ongoing discovery, not in resting on past knowledge.
The Old Testament, with its laws and rituals, is not a collection of arbitrary rules but a tapestry of shadows pointing to Jesus. Every command, from dietary restrictions to the priestly garments, carries deeper meaning. The ox, the servant, is a central figure—both in the Gospel of Mark and in Leviticus—symbolizing strength, sacrifice, and the call to serve. Mark’s Gospel, written from the perspective of servanthood, omits genealogy because the lineage of a servant is irrelevant; what matters is the work and heart of service.
The Levites, chosen as God’s priestly tribe, received no land as inheritance—their reward was proximity to God Himself. This is the true inheritance for all who serve: nearness to God, not material gain. The priesthood’s commissioning involved washing, clothing, and anointing, all of which foreshadow Christ’s own baptism, anointing, and ultimate sacrifice. Jesus, as the true High Priest, fulfills every shadow: He is both the priest and the sacrifice, the one who carries our burdens and intercedes for us.
On the Day of Atonement, the high priest would offer the most valuable sacrifice—the ox—and enter the Holy of Holies with blood and incense. Jesus, in His passion, is examined, found faultless, and, like the scapegoat, carries our sins outside the city to Calvary. His death tears the veil, opening access to God for all. The resurrection confirms His victory, and now, as a royal priesthood, we are called to serve, to carry the burdens of others, and to make a sound—evidence of a life lived in the Spirit. Ministry is not silent; it is marked by the fruit and gifts of the Spirit, by love in action, and by a life that “makes noise” for the kingdom.
Key Takeaways
- Fresh revelation is essential for a vibrant relationship with Christ. Past experiences and knowledge, while valuable, can become stale if not continually renewed by the Spirit. Just as the priests received new bread weekly, we must seek ongoing encounters with God that move us deeply and keep our hearts sensitive to His presence. [01:07]
- The Old Testament’s laws and rituals are not arbitrary; they are shadows that point to the reality found in Jesus. Understanding the deeper meaning behind these commands—such as the symbolism of the ox, the washing, and the priestly garments—enriches our faith and reveals the intentionality of God’s redemptive plan. [04:07]
- Servanthood is the pathway to greatness in God’s kingdom. The ox, as a symbol of strength and service, teaches that prosperity and increase come through bearing the burdens of others. True spiritual wealth is found not in being served, but in serving God’s agenda and people with humility and sacrifice. [13:03]
- The priesthood’s true inheritance is proximity to God, not material possessions. The Levites’ lack of land points to a higher reward: nearness to God’s presence. In Christ, we are called to value intimacy with God above all else, recognizing that our highest calling is to serve in His presence and carry His heart to the world. [18:45]
- Jesus is both the High Priest and the sacrifice, fulfilling every Old Testament shadow. His atoning work—being examined, found faultless, carrying our sins outside the city, and rising from the grave—opens the way for us to boldly approach God. As a royal priesthood, we are now anointed to serve, to intercede, and to “make noise” for the kingdom, living lives marked by the fruit and gifts of the Spirit. [50:32]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:07] - The Danger of Familiarity and the Need for Fresh Revelation
[02:18] - The Power of Truth to Set Us Free
[04:07] - Old Testament Shadows and Their Fulfillment in Christ
[06:18] - The Gospel of Mark and the Servant’s Perspective
[10:42] - Mark’s Background and His Relationship with Paul and Peter
[13:03] - Servanthood: The Ox and the Pathway to Kingdom Greatness
[18:45] - The Levites: Inheritance of Proximity, Not Possessions
[20:31] - The Levites as God’s Tithe and the Call to Holiness
[23:24] - The Commissioning and Clothing of the Priesthood
[27:55] - Washed, Clothed, and Called to Serve
[32:40] - The High Priest’s Garments: Meaning and Ministry
[34:09] - The Tabernacle: Revelation, Prayer, and Access to God
[38:23] - The True High Priest: Jesus’ Commissioning and Authority
[40:14] - The Day of Atonement: Sacrifice, Anointing, and Fulfillment
[42:49] - The Scapegoat and the Atonement Ritual
[46:00] - Jesus Examined, Sacrificed, and the Veil Torn
[48:19] - The Cross, the Fit Man, and the Fulfillment of the Scapegoat
[49:48] - Burial, Incense, and the Sevenfold Atonement
[50:32] - The Resurrection, the New Priesthood, and Our Call to Make Noise
[52:21] - The Anointing Flows: Ministry That Makes a Sound
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: Servanthood, Priesthood, and the Heart of God’s Kingdom
---
### Bible Reading
1. John 8:32
“And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
2. Mark 10:44-45
“And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
3. Leviticus 8:6-12
(The washing, clothing, and anointing of Aaron and his sons for the priesthood.)
---
### Observation Questions
1. In John 8:32, what does Jesus say will happen when we know the truth?
(See [01:07])
2. According to Mark 10:44-45, how does Jesus describe greatness in God’s kingdom?
(See [13:03])
3. What were the steps involved in the commissioning of the Old Testament priests in Leviticus 8? (washing, clothing, anointing)
(See [24:08])
4. In the sermon, what is the significance of the ox as a symbol in both Mark and Leviticus?
(See [13:03])
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. The sermon warns about becoming too familiar with Jesus, where truth becomes just “facts.” Why is ongoing discovery and “fresh bread” important for our relationship with Christ?
(See [01:07])
2. The Levites received no land as inheritance; their reward was nearness to God. What does this teach us about what God values most for His people?
(See [18:45])
3. Jesus is described as both the High Priest and the sacrifice. How does this dual role fulfill the Old Testament shadows and change our access to God?
(See [50:32])
4. The priest’s garments made a sound when he moved, symbolizing a life that “makes noise” for the kingdom. What does it mean for ministry and Christian living to “make noise”?
(See [34:09])
---
### Application Questions
1. The sermon says that past experiences and knowledge can become “stale” if not continually renewed. What is one practical way you can seek “fresh bread” or new revelation from God this week?
(See [01:07])
2. The ox represents servanthood, strength, and sacrifice. In what area of your life do you find it hardest to serve others? What is one step you can take to serve in that area this month?
(See [13:03])
3. The Levites’ inheritance was proximity to God, not material possessions. Are there things you are pursuing that might be keeping you from intimacy with God? What would it look like to value nearness to God above all else?
(See [18:45])
4. The priesthood involved being washed, clothed, and anointed for service. How do you see God preparing you for service in your own life? Is there a “next step” you sense God calling you to take?
(See [27:55])
5. Jesus carried the burdens of others and calls us to do the same. Who in your life needs you to help carry their burden right now? How can you practically do that this week?
(See [34:09])
6. The sermon says ministry “makes noise”—it’s not silent, but marked by the fruit and gifts of the Spirit. What “sound” is your life making? Is there a specific fruit or gift of the Spirit you want to grow in?
(See [34:09])
7. Jesus’ sacrifice tore the veil and opened access to God for all. Is there anything holding you back from boldly approaching God? What would it look like for you to come to Him with confidence this week?
(See [50:32])
---
Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Ask God for fresh revelation, a servant’s heart, and the courage to “make noise” for His kingdom in your daily life.
Devotional
Day 1: The Truth of Christ Sets Us Free
There is a difference between knowing about Jesus and truly knowing Him in a way that moves your heart and transforms your life. When you encounter the truth of Christ, it does not merely inform you—it compels you into freedom, breaking the chains of your old identity and calling you into a new way of living. The truth is not passive; it is active, powerful, and liberating, making it impossible to remain bound by the things that once held you captive. As you seek fresh revelation and intimacy with Jesus, let His truth continually move you, stirring your spirit and leading you into deeper freedom. [02:18]
John 8:32 (ESV)
"And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel stuck or bound? Ask Jesus to reveal His truth to you in that area today, and be open to the freedom He wants to bring.
Day 2: Servanthood is the Path to Greatness
In the kingdom of God, greatness is not measured by status, recognition, or the number of people serving you, but by your willingness to serve others selflessly. Jesus, though worthy of all honor, modeled the life of a servant, teaching that the highest place belongs to those who become the least and serve all. True servanthood means giving, loving, and helping without expecting anything in return, and it is through this posture that we reflect Christ most authentically and experience the richness of His kingdom. [13:03]
Mark 10:44-45 (ESV)
"And whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Reflection: Who is someone you can serve today in a practical way, expecting nothing in return? How can you make servanthood a regular part of your walk with Jesus?
Day 3: The High Honor and Responsibility of the Priesthood
God’s call to the priesthood, as seen in the Levites, was not about land, wealth, or earthly inheritance, but about proximity to God and the privilege of serving Him and His people. The true inheritance is nearness to God, carrying the burdens of others, and standing in the gap through intercession and sacrificial service. Holiness and consecration are required, sometimes asking us to abstain from things others may freely enjoy, not out of legalism but out of love for God and the weight of our calling. [20:31]
Leviticus 8:6-9 (ESV)
"And Moses brought Aaron and his sons and washed them with water. And he put the coat on him and tied the sash around his waist and clothed him with the robe and put the ephod on him and tied the skillfully woven band of the ephod around him, binding it to him with the band. And he placed the breastpiece on him, and in the breastpiece he put the Urim and the Thummim. And he set the turban on his head, and on the turban, in front, he set the golden plate, the holy crown, as the Lord commanded Moses."
Reflection: Is there something God is asking you to lay aside or consecrate in order to draw closer to Him and serve more faithfully? What step can you take today to honor that call?
Day 4: Christ, Our High Priest and Perfect Sacrifice
Jesus is the fulfillment of all the Old Testament types and shadows, becoming both our High Priest and the perfect sacrifice for our sins. He was examined and found blameless, carried our sins outside the city like the scapegoat, and made atonement for us through His blood, opening a new and living way into God’s presence. Because of His sacrifice, we can approach God boldly, knowing that our sins are truly removed and that we are welcomed into the holy of holies by grace. [48:19]
Hebrews 4:14-16 (ESV)
"Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."
Reflection: When was the last time you approached God boldly in prayer, trusting fully in Christ’s finished work? What do you need to bring to Him today, knowing He intercedes for you?
Day 5: We Are a Royal Priesthood, Anointed to Serve
Through Christ, we have been washed, anointed, and drafted into a royal priesthood, called not to sit idly but to serve, intercede, and make a sound for God’s kingdom. The same anointing that was on Christ flows to us, empowering us to carry His presence, bear the burdens of others, and let the fruit and gifts of the Spirit be evident in our lives. Ministry is not silent or hidden; it makes noise—through love, faith, and service—so that the world may know the reality of Jesus through us. [52:21]
1 Peter 2:9 (ESV)
"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."
Reflection: In what ways can you “make some noise” for God’s kingdom this week—through your words, actions, or service—so that others experience the love and presence of Jesus?
Quotes
I am determined that I'm not going to get too familiar with Jesus. I have realized that what I know is relevant and it was powerful for my transformation. What I have known, though, can also get to a place that when I remember it, I'm not moved. [00:00:35] (21 seconds)
Sometimes when you read those, they don't make any sense, but God's brilliant. And he's just not giving commandments and giving these teachings in the Old Testament just for the sake of giving them. They have meaning. Everything has meaning. And the truth is, everything is about Jesus, period. [00:05:25] (19 seconds)
The Old Testament is Jesus concealed the New Testament is Jesus revealed Jesus told him in John's Gospel he says if you believe Moses you should believe me because he wrote about me so what everything that God is doing in those first five books he's concealing a revelation of what Christ will be the fulfillment of. [00:25:06] (22 seconds)
The high priest, you would come to him, he would take you to that laver and wash. In Jerusalem, there was a political appointee named Caiaphas, and his son -in -law, Ananias, were running a dual scheme. I'm calling it that, a dual scheme. They're imposters in the seat of the high priest. So when Jesus was going to be commissioned into ministry, he didn't go to Jerusalem, he went to John, because John is of the seat of Aaron and has the authority in order to commission him, right? [00:38:23] (31 seconds)
We're told specifically that Jesus begins his ministry at 30 years of age. Specifically, it's important. He couldn't start at 29. He couldn't start at 12. Right? 30 years old. That's how old the priest had to be when he went to the laver to get his washing. God is intentional because he's raising up a new high priest. [00:39:24] (23 seconds)
The Day of Atonement would play out like this. The high priest would be required to sacrifice an oxen. Because it was the highest value of sacrifice. It was an indication of servanthood being surrendered. And he would take that oxen and he would kill that ox. And then he would take the blood of the ox and he would go in his linen tunic into the holy place or the holy of holies and he would sprinkle the blood seven times. [00:42:45] (28 seconds)
He's leaving the city. He's carrying the sins. And now he doesn't die in the city. Just like the scapegoat, he has to carry them outside the city. And on his way, he's overcome with the weight of the cross. And guess what they do? They find a fit man named Simon from Cyrene, who comes alongside and picks up the weight of the cross. [00:48:28] (23 seconds)
Peter and John run down to the tomb, and when they came in, guess what they seen? They seen an angel at the head and an angel at the feet because the mercy seat lid had an angel here and an angel there, but there wasn't no body. There was just blood left behind because he got up out of that grave, a risen, resurrected savior, having conquered death, hell, and the grave. [00:51:08] (29 seconds)
The intention was God is to get to his presence, and God has made a way in Christ that we can all, we can come to him boldly and receive grace and mercy. Are you hearing what I'm saying? And you and I have been drafted in to the priesthood under him. [00:51:42] (22 seconds)
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