True Greatness: Serving with Humility and Love
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to celebrate the life of Darlene and to reflect on the true meaning of greatness in the Kingdom of God. We began with a time of worship, inviting God's presence to fill our hearts and our space. As we transitioned into the message, we explored the concept of the "GOAT" (Greatest of All Time) in various contexts like sports and superheroes, but ultimately turned our focus to what Jesus defines as greatness.
In Mark 10:43-45, Jesus teaches that true greatness is found in service, not status. He exemplified this through His life, especially in His final hours. We looked at John 13, where Jesus, knowing His time was short, chose to wash His disciples' feet. This act of humility and service was a powerful demonstration of His love, showing that greatness in God's Kingdom is about serving others selflessly.
We discussed how Jesus' actions were counter-cultural, even shocking, as He took on the role of a servant. This was a profound lesson for His disciples, who were arguing about who among them was the greatest. Jesus saw their proud hearts and dirty feet and chose to serve them, setting an example for us to follow.
The message challenged us to get up from our comfortable places and serve others with humility. We were reminded that meaningful moments in life often start with a simple act of getting up and taking action. Jesus' love for us is endless, and He calls us to show that same love to others through acts of service.
### Key Takeaways
1. True Greatness is Found in Service: In Mark 10:43-45, Jesus redefines greatness as being a servant to others. This is a radical departure from the world's view of greatness, which often focuses on status and power. Jesus teaches that to be great in God's Kingdom, we must serve others selflessly. [41:41]
2. Jesus' Example of Humility: In John 13, Jesus washes His disciples' feet, an act that was both shocking and deeply meaningful. This act of service demonstrated His love and humility, showing that true leadership is about serving others, even in the most menial tasks. [46:44]
3. Get Up and Serve: To make a meaningful impact, we must be willing to get up from our comfortable places and take action. Jesus got up from the table, took off His outer clothing, and served His disciples. This teaches us that significant moments in life often begin with a simple act of getting up and serving others. [50:54]
4. Love to the Fullest: Jesus loved His disciples "to the end," meaning to the fullest extent. His love is eternal and boundless. We are called to love others in the same way, showing compassion and humility in our actions. [44:49]
5. Serving with the Right Heart: It's not just about what we do, but the attitude with which we do it. Jesus served with a humble heart, and we are called to do the same. Our actions should be motivated by genuine love and humility, not by a desire for recognition or reward. [56:15]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[06:40] - Fellowship and Worship
[21:38] - Worship Song: "Come Flood This Place"
[35:48] - Celebrating Darlene's Life
[37:26] - Who is the GOAT?
[40:09] - Jesus' Definition of Greatness
[42:39] - John 13: Jesus Washes the Disciples' Feet
[46:44] - Acts of Service by Jesus
[50:54] - Get Up and Serve
[56:15] - Serving with the Right Heart
[01:00:17] - Jesus' Humility and Love
[01:04:01] - Story of Service: Helping a Stranger
[01:07:53] - Prayer and Closing Remarks
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Mark 10:43-45: "Not so with you. Instead, 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."
2. John 13:1-5: "It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Mark 10:43-45, how does Jesus redefine greatness in the Kingdom of God?
2. In John 13:1-5, what actions did Jesus take to demonstrate His love and humility to His disciples? [46:44]
3. What were the disciples arguing about during the Passover meal, and how did Jesus respond to their argument? [59:39]
4. What does the phrase "He loved them to the end" mean in the context of John 13:1? [44:07]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus emphasize service over status in Mark 10:43-45? How does this contrast with the world's view of greatness? [41:41]
2. What is the significance of Jesus washing His disciples' feet in John 13? How does this act challenge cultural norms and expectations? [46:44]
3. How does Jesus' act of washing the disciples' feet serve as a model for Christian leadership and service? [47:29]
4. What does it mean to "love to the fullest" as Jesus did, and how can this be applied in our daily lives? [44:49]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you prioritized status over service. How can you shift your focus to serving others selflessly, as Jesus taught in Mark 10:43-45? [41:41]
2. Jesus got up from the table to serve His disciples. What are some "comfortable places" in your life that you need to get up from to serve others? [50:54]
3. Think of a specific act of service you can perform this week that demonstrates humility and love. How can you ensure your heart is in the right place while doing it? [56:15]
4. Jesus washed the feet of all His disciples, including Judas. How can you show love and service to someone who may have wronged you or whom you find difficult to love? [01:03:14]
5. Identify a person in your life who needs encouragement or help. What practical steps can you take to serve them this week, following Jesus' example of humility and love? [01:05:50]
6. How can you cultivate a heart of humility in your daily interactions? What specific attitudes or behaviors do you need to change to reflect Jesus' servant heart? [53:57]
7. Jesus' love for His disciples was boundless and eternal. How can you show boundless love to those around you, especially in challenging situations? [44:49]
Devotional
Day 1: True Greatness is Found in Service
True greatness in the Kingdom of God is not about status or power but about serving others selflessly. In Mark 10:43-45, Jesus redefines greatness by teaching that those who wish to be great must become servants. This is a radical departure from the world's view, which often equates greatness with power, wealth, and influence. Jesus' life exemplified this principle, as He consistently put others' needs before His own, culminating in the ultimate act of service—His sacrifice on the cross.
Jesus' teaching challenges us to rethink our ambitions and priorities. Instead of seeking recognition or accolades, we are called to serve others with humility and love. This kind of service is not always glamorous and often goes unnoticed, but it is highly valued in God's Kingdom. By serving others, we reflect Jesus' love and humility, making a meaningful impact on those around us. [41:41]
Mark 10:43-45 (ESV): "But 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 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: Think of a specific way you can serve someone in your community this week. How can you show them the love of Christ through your actions?
Day 2: Jesus' Example of Humility
In John 13, Jesus performs an act that was both shocking and deeply meaningful—He washes His disciples' feet. This task was typically reserved for the lowest servant in the household, yet Jesus, the Son of God, chose to do it. This act of humility and service demonstrated His profound love for His disciples and set a powerful example for them to follow. Jesus showed that true leadership is not about lording over others but about serving them, even in the most menial tasks.
This example is a call to all believers to adopt a posture of humility in their interactions with others. It challenges us to put aside our pride and be willing to serve in ways that may seem insignificant or beneath us. By doing so, we follow in Jesus' footsteps and embody the kind of love and humility that He demonstrated. [46:44]
John 13:14-15 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: Is there a task or responsibility you have been avoiding because you feel it is beneath you? How can you approach it with a heart of humility and service this week?
Day 3: Get Up and Serve
To make a meaningful impact, we must be willing to get up from our comfortable places and take action. In John 13, Jesus got up from the table, took off His outer clothing, and began to wash His disciples' feet. This simple act of getting up and serving was the beginning of a significant moment that taught His disciples about true greatness and humility. It reminds us that impactful moments often start with a simple decision to get up and serve.
This principle encourages us to be proactive in our service to others. It is easy to become complacent and comfortable, but true discipleship requires action. By getting up and serving, we open the door to opportunities for meaningful interactions and the chance to demonstrate Christ's love in tangible ways. [50:54]
John 13:4-5 (ESV): "He rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him."
Reflection: What is one specific action you can take today to serve someone in need? How can you step out of your comfort zone to make a difference?
Day 4: Love to the Fullest
Jesus loved His disciples "to the end," meaning to the fullest extent. His love is eternal and boundless, and He calls us to love others in the same way. This kind of love is not limited by circumstances or conditions; it is a selfless, sacrificial love that seeks the best for others. Jesus' actions, especially in His final hours, exemplified this love as He served and sacrificed for those He loved.
We are called to emulate this kind of love in our relationships with others. It means going beyond superficial acts of kindness and truly investing in the well-being of those around us. This love requires patience, forgiveness, and a willingness to put others' needs before our own. By loving others to the fullest, we reflect the heart of Christ and make a lasting impact on those we encounter. [44:49]
John 13:1 (ESV): "Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who needs to experience Christ's love. How can you show them love in a tangible and meaningful way this week?
Day 5: Serving with the Right Heart
It's not just about what we do, but the attitude with which we do it. Jesus served with a humble heart, and we are called to do the same. Our actions should be motivated by genuine love and humility, not by a desire for recognition or reward. This kind of service is pleasing to God and reflects the character of Christ.
Serving with the right heart means examining our motives and ensuring that our actions are rooted in love and humility. It requires us to put aside our ego and focus on the needs of others. By serving with the right heart, we honor God and build up those around us, creating a community that reflects the love and grace of Christ. [56:15]
Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV): "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others."
Reflection: Reflect on your recent acts of service. Were they motivated by genuine love and humility? How can you ensure that your future actions are rooted in the right heart?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "In the kingdom of God, greatness is not status. It's service. Greatness is service. Why is that? I really don't know. No, I do know. Because the Bible tells us that as well. It's service and not status because it's impossible for you and I as followers, as children of God, as followers. Of Jesus to love Jesus without serving people. That's why it's about service and not about your status, your position." [41:41] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Jesus literally has just a handful of hours left on this planet. And so before, and we know what he's doing. He's going to give his life as a sacrifice for all of us. For all of humankind. All of the ages. All throughout time. Once. Permanent. Sacrifice. So what do you do? And this may have come up as I was talking, praying with Darlene. That thought was running through my mind. But what do you do if you know you only have a few hours left on this earth?" [44:49] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Jesus doesn't state his love. He shows us his love. He got up from the meal. He took off his outer clothing and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and he began to wash the disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. That's verses 4 and 5 of John chapter 13. In those few moments, just a single moment, two verses, Jesus does seven acts of service. And they're powerful acts." [47:29] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I would say to really have a life that matters, you really, you might want to turn off the TV, put your phone down, get up. Somebody needs to get up. I promise you, to have a life that honors God, that's what you're going to have to do. You're going to have to get up. Jesus got up. He took off his outer clothing and he, he wrapped a towel, a servant's towel around his waist." [53:32] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "What I've learned is that God doesn't just, God doesn't care about what you do. He cares about the attitude in which we do it. There are times when I do the right thing, but my heart, my heart isn't in the right place. So you can do the right thing with the wrong heart. You can do the right thing and have the wrong motives. And guess what? It's still wrong to God. So in humility, Jesus got up in humility." [56:15] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "When Jesus got up, he removed his outer clothing and he revealed the heart of a servant, humble the inside. So what I've learned is that God doesn't just, God doesn't care about what you do. He cares about the attitude in which we do it. There are times when I do the right thing, but my heart, my heart isn't in the right place. So you can do the right thing with the wrong heart. You can do the right thing and have the wrong motives. And guess what? It's still wrong to God." [56:15] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "So aren't you thankful that we're not like that? We are, aren't we? Many times. There are things that we see every day and we're saying, I'm not going to do That's not my job. What makes it even worse is sometimes in our churches, it's not my job. Sometimes in our pride, sometimes in our entitlement mentality, we often criticize those with dirty feet instead of washing them." [01:02:13] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Can we stop there for just a minute and recognize who was one of the dirty feet disciples that Jesus washed? Judas. He knew what Judas was going to do. And he could have said, I'm going to wash your feet. Not you. You're, you know, a dirty, rotten scoundrel. He didn't do that though, did he? He washed Judas' feet as well. And what do we do? Sometimes we're like, well, they're not like us. Those people don't look like us. They shouldn't be a part of us. And in our pride, we often criticize those with dirty feet instead of kneeling to wash them." [01:03:14] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I wonder how often God looks at the churches today. How often he looks at his children today. And he sees something similar to that. That we criticize those with dirty feet instead of kneeling down to wash them. Because some of us here have accepted Jesus. He's washed our feet. He's cleansed us. He's forgiven us a lot. I don't know about you, but I've been forgiven a lot. yet sometimes we're still too proud to wash someone else's feet." [01:04:01] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Who's the greatest? From the kingdom of God. It isn't about status. It's about service. Because we can't truly love Jesus without serving people. I want to tell you a story about a pastor I look up to and I listen to quite a bit. He said he went to Home Depot or Lowe's and he was shopping in the garden area. And there was this elderly woman, little bitty thing. And she was trying to get these hedge trimmers down. And they were big, huge ones. And so he said, you know, ma'am, can I help you get those? And she looked at him, you know, she was probably from the north. She said, you work here? And he said, no, but I see you need some help." [01:04:01] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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