Pursuit of Greatness
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Intro
Intro
35 And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came up to him and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” 36 And he said to them, “What do you want me to do for you?” 37 And they said to him, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” 38 Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” 39 And they said to him, “We are able.” And Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you will drink, and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized, 40 but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.” 41 And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant at James and John. 42 And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 43 But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
In our culture, greatness, the extent of your authority is contingent on how many people report to you or serve you. The more people you oversee the more prestige, power and authority you have.
Yet it’s interesting Jesus is God. He spoke the world into existence Colossians 1:15-18
15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.
NIV says, Supremecy.
If God is Supreme and holds the highest status; why would He serve?
Why did Jesus serve? Turn to your neighbor, why do you think Jesus served?
Why did Jesus serve? Turn to your neighbor, why do you think Jesus served?
Two reasons I believe Jesus served.
1. Serving expresses value to others.
1. Serving expresses value to others.
Time & Money indicate what we value
Service indicates who we value.
Serving, when done, biblically is the outpouring of love.
Galatians 5:13 (ESV)
13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
Serving isn’t just an issue of humility, it’s an issue of honor.
10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.
Serving is difficult because it requires humility; but serving is impactful because it communicates value and honor.
Serving is a way to communicate to God and to others the value you have for them.
13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.
Most of us won’t have the opportunity to tangible sacrifice our life for others, but all of us have the opportunity to sacrifice for others by serving them daily.
2. Because He is a Servant. Service is not just something Jesus does; it’s who He is.
2. Because He is a Servant. Service is not just something Jesus does; it’s who He is.
33 And they came to Capernaum. And when he was in the house he asked them, “What were you discussing on the way?” 34 But they kept silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest. 35 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.” 36 And he took a child and put him in the midst of them, and taking him in his arms, he said to them, 37 “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me.”
Mark 9:35 (ESV)
35 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.”
Jesus tells them that greatness is not obtained by doing some thing but by becoming something; and the thing He wants them to become is the very thing He is; a servant.
Contrast that with last week & His Supremecy. Who He is He is both Supreme and Servant. His Supremacy and Servanthood are not in conflict with one another but accentuate one another.
So what does this tell us about greatness?
Mainpoint: Service is not the pathway to greatness it’s an expression of greatness.
Mainpoint: Service is not the pathway to greatness it’s an expression of greatness.
It’s because Jesus is great that He serves; its because He has power, prestige and authority that He serves. Jesus is not insecure trying to obtain greatness; He already has it.
What if God wants to make you recipients of greatness? What if He didn’t want you to earn it but to display it?
Ultimately, greatness isn’t achieved it’s recieved. Mark 10:40
40 but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.”
The pathway to receiving greatness isn’t service: it’s the gospel.
As recipients of the gospel we receive divine power. Acts 1:8,
We become co-heirs with Christ Romans 8:17 “17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.” ,
Seated in heavenly places Ephesians 2:6 “6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,”
Citizens of heaven Philippians 3:20 “20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,”
If we are recipients of greatness; BUT THE GREATNESS WE RECIEVE IS NOT OUR OWN & YET there’s security in our greatness b/c we didn’t earn it but received it, how do we respond?
WE SERVE.
5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Our fulfillment is found when we are willing to become empty.
Analogy - our life is like a glass cup. We try to fill it with success, achievements, approval of others b/c when we do we think we will find fulfilment.
Analogy - our life is like a glass cup. We try to fill it with success, achievements, approval of others b/c when we do we think we will find fulfilment.
Athletics, academics, relationships, etc are all places we try to fill our cup - even religion and the Bible is an attempt at times to fill our cup.
Ephesians 5:18 “ be filled with the Spirit,”
Cups are filled so they can be emptied. The purpose of a cup isn’t just to retain water but to release water.
We were made like cups not only to contain the spirit of God but to pour it out.
The metric for greatness isn’t how full we can become with accolades, accomplishments and relationships but the extent to which we empty ourselves in service.
Emptying ourselves is important for two reasons.
Often when we think of emptying ourselves we think emptying our time, our knowledge, our talent, our income to bless others. But the first thing we are to empty is not a resource it’s a heart condition. Pride.
We empty ourselves of pride
(use red dye to represent pride and how it taints the water and we become prideful as we accumulate accomplishments) - talk about the need for our pride to be emptied/ poured out so we can be filled with the spirit.
2. God then fills us with His spirit and we are able to empty ourselves out in service
If we are to empty ourselves that implies not that we are empty but that we are full.
WE SEEK SECURITY AND SIGNIFICANCE IN ACCOMPLISHMENT VS SEEKING TO SERVE BECAUSE OUR POSITION BEFORE GOD HAS ALREADY BEEN SECURED.
Mainpoint: Service is not the pathway to greatness it’s an expression of greatness.
Mainpoint: Service is not the pathway to greatness it’s an expression of greatness.
Action: Identify one person in your life this week God is calling you to serve.
Action: Identify one person in your life this week God is calling you to serve.
Intro
How many of you want to be great one day? Not necessarily famous but great?
How many of you want that greatness to be recognized and remembered by the people in you’re life?
All of us have a desire for significance; which isn’t bad in of itself. What matters is how we seek to fill that desire.
Jesus’ disciples wanted to know how they could become great. After seeing the transfigured Jesus, they begin arguing who is the greatest among them.
Mark 9:33–37 (ESV)
33 And they came to Capernaum. And when he was in the house he asked them, “What were you discussing on the way?” 34 But they kept silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest. 35 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.” 36 And he took a child and put him in the midst of them, and taking him in his arms, he said to them, 37 “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me.”
Jesus tells them the way to become great is through service. (I Dont agree with this thought anymore)
Serving is effective, because it is a way we build relational trust and equity with others. It’s a physical act that shows others the value you have for them. Therefore serving is an efficient path to greatness
He then reiterates his point in the following chapter
35 And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came up to him and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” 36 And he said to them, “What do you want me to do for you?” 37 And they said to him, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” 38 Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” 39 And they said to him, “We are able.” And Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you will drink, and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized, 40 but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.” 41 And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant at James and John. 42 And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 43 But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
It is true that greatness is obtained through service. But why is serving great? Why is it worth doing?
It is true that greatness is obtained through service. But why is serving great? Why is it worth doing?
Serving is one of the ways we can fulfill both the first and greatest command simultaneously.
37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 40 On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”
Serving, when done, biblically is the outpouring of love.
Galatians 5:13 (ESV)
13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
Serving isn’t just an issue of humility, it’s an issue of honor.
10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.
Serving is difficult because it requires humility; but serving is impactful because it communicates value and honor.
Serving is a way to communicate to God and to others the value you have for them.
13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command you. 15 No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. 17 These things I command you, so that you will love one another.
18 “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.
Most of us won’t have the opportunity to tangible sacrifice our life for others, but all of us have the opportunity to sacrifice for others by serving them daily.
Serving is an opportunity not only to be a daily reminder of the gospel but a portrayal of the gospel.
45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Why did Jesus serve? He was God, He didn’t have to, what did He gain by doing so?
Why did Jesus serve? He was God, He didn’t have to, what did He gain by doing so?
Jesus valued serving because serving values others.
5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.
Our fulfillment is found when we are willing to become empty.
Emptiness comes in the form of a servant.
Because it’s who He is He is both Supreme and Servant. His Supremacy and Servanthood are not in conflict with one another but accentuate one another.
Analogy - our life is like a glass cup. We try to fill it with success, achievements, approval of others b/c when we do we think we will find fulfilment.
Athletics, academics, relationships, etc are all places we try to fill our cup - even religion and the Bible is an attempt at times to fill our cup.
Cups are filled so they can be emptied. The purpose of a cup isn’t just to retain water but to release water.
We were made like cups not only to contain the spirit of God but to pour it out.
The metric for greatness isn’t how full we can become with accolades, accomplishments and relationships but the extent to which we empty ourselves in service.
Emptying ourselves is important for two reasons.
Often when we think of emptying ourselves we think emptying our time, our knowledge, our talent, our income to bless others. But the first thing we are to empty is not a resource it’s a heart condition. Pride.
We empty ourselves of pride
As we serve others are others exp God’s love
If we are to empty ourselves that implies not that we are empty but that we are full.
We are full of pride and full of the spirit. Service is a way to empty ourselves of pride AND pour out the Spirit
WE SEEK SECURITY AND SIGNIFICANCE IN ACCOMPLISHMENT VS SEEKING TO SERVE BECAUSE OUR POSITION BEFORE GOD HAS ALREADY BEEN SECURED.
GOAT
Lebron or MJ
Mahomes, or Brady,
Jacoub or Emily
All of us have a desire to be great. Why? We crave significance, approval, recognition.
What’s the metric for greatness? Service.
Why is service the metric?
Service is costly (cost pride, time, talent, etc)
service reveals what we value
Ultimately service is not an issue of humility it is an issue of honor. Service is difficult because it requires humility but it is valued because it expresses honor to God and others.
Only when we realize we are valued; will we serve. // Serving is the response of those who know they’re valued. When you’re valued you are not seeking significance your are sharing it through service.
Jesus is significant and supreme, but He is also servant.
Serving isn’t the pathway toward greatness it’s the expression of greatness. Mark 9:36,10:45.
Ultimately, greatness isn’t achieved it’s recieved. and when we recieved it, we pour it out. Mark 10:40, Phil 2.
The pathway to greatness is the cross. Because its through the cross that we have the opportunity to gain a status and an identity that is not ours to claim.
WE SEEK SECURITY AND SIGNIFICANCE IN ACCOMPLISHMENT VS SEEKING TO SERVE BECAUSE OUR POSITION BEFORE GOD HAS ALREADY BEEN SECURED.
When we serve, we choose to value and elevate others. (Pic of someone helping someone off the ground). The implication behind service is that powerful is the one who has the ability and position to uplift and promote others. The more you can you serve/elevate others, the more powerful you are.
IDK what i think about this thought…
Mark 9:35 Service isn’t an activity its an identity. Therefore Greatness isn’t something we pursue but someone we become. How do we become someone great?
Great is the one who is a servant; why because the Greatest one, Jesus, is a servant. If we want to be like God we must serve like God. Mark 10:45
How do we serve others and God? By first experiencing His service in our life. Mark 10:45, Phil 2.
Jesus wants us to be great. Not only that, but Jesus tells us how to be great.
Greatness isn’t Achieved through self exaltation
Greatness isn’t Achieved through self exaltation
Fall of Satan - desire to be great - to be like God
We come to God with our list of accomplishments, accolades, degrees, good works only to stand before the Holy one and realize it’s not enough.
6 We have all become like one who is unclean,
and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment.
We all fade like a leaf,
and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.
pour fake blood on a menstrual pad as visual? - that’s your good works
Greatness isn’t achieved through self deprivation
Greatness is
Main points:
Greatness isn’t accessed by success but by service.
Greatness isn’t found in the proud but in the humble. phil 2
Greatness isn’t earned its given. Mark 10: 40
Greatness isn’t retained but released Mark 10:45, phil 2
Greatness isn’t wrong, it’s not a sinful desire. What can become sinful is how we choose to pursue greatness.
Greatness should not be the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Our treasure has to be Jesus; and if He is; we become great by delighting in and magnifying His greatness not our own.