The Least Servant

Big Idea: True Leadership is found in humble service.

Humility in the age of Social Media

How I could have and actually did handle a sensitive conversation online (hint, not well!)

Trans: As Jesus’ followers, we are called to be humble in all our dealings: especially the ones we want to win! Jesus flipped the world upside down that last night with His disciples.

Servant's Stance: Embrace Love

John 13:5-8

Power dynamics in society

The best are on top!

[Kung Fu video here: the Stone Cutter]

Undercover Boss

Surprising insights

Jesus’ stripping down and taking on the nastiest job.

Trans: Jesus knows that there is a harmony to God’s life-music. He understands the balances. He knows that a leader leads from where they are. Think of Joseph in prison, or Daniel in exile. Humility can set an example for all. In his youth, President Jimmy Carter worked as a peanut farmer. He often spent weekends on the farm, right alongside his workers. His humility and hands-on approach reportedly inspired those around him. This resonates with our faith, reminding us that in God’s kingdom, no service is beneath us—it elevates us to serve the least among us!

And it really freaks people out!

Submit to the Cleanser's Call

John 13:9-11

When Jesus got to Peter

Like when Jesus went to JtB

“I am not worthy!”

Trans: It is uncomfortable to many of us to have our leaders or our idols(hmm??) submitting to us. We want the people we esteem to be held up for all to see. So when they bow low, to raise us up, it often feels difficult. We resist! Yet there is a lot to be learned from such submission. As great violin master was once asked why he still practiced 5+ hours each day: because I am not perfect!

We are not perfect. I know I am not. (Self reflect...) But, as a great nautical man once said, “I am what I am and that’s all that I am!” And so are you! Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it is thinking of yourself less. And focusing on God’s glory more! Focus on being humble servants like Jesus.

Symbolic Service: Follow Christ's Example

John 13:12-15

Jesus told us this parable:

Christian Standard Bible Chapter 24

FAITHFUL SERVICE TO CHRIST

45 “Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master has put in charge of his household, to give them food at the proper time? 46 Blessed is that servant whom the master finds doing his job when he comes. 47 Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions. 48 But if that wicked servant says in his heart, ‘My master is delayed,’ 49 and starts to beat his fellow servants, and eats and drinks with drunkards, 50 that servant’s master will come on a day he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know. 51 He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

He also added this parable:

Christian Standard Bible Chapter 12

READY FOR THE MASTER’S RETURN

35 “Be ready for service and have your lamps lit. 36 You are to be like people waiting for their master to return from the wedding banquet so that when he comes and knocks, they can open the door for him at once. 37 Blessed will be those servants the master finds alert when he comes. Truly I tell you, he will get ready, have them recline at the table, then come and serve them. 38 If he comes in the middle of the night, or even near dawn, and finds them alert, blessed are those servants. 39 But know this: If the homeowner had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. 40 You also be ready, because the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”

In vs 12-15, Jesus lays out our duty, our role. We are to be like Him, especially in humble service. Whether a stone cutter, a king, or the mountain, we all are subject to the Lord, and we are all merely part of His balanced creation.

Trans: In a church, we are all equal. Yes, some of us are dumber than a bag of hammers. Yes, some of us are clumsier than an elephant in a china shop. Yes, some of us are mean, ugly, hateful, and hurt. But, we are also supportive, loving, supporting, and, when cooperating well, we resemble Jesus. Humble service recognizes that I may not be the best for the job, but I am here and it is being done. And it is done for the Glory of God.

4. Seek Blessings Through Service

John 13:16-17

Remember as you go forth this week Jesus' declaration that those who understand and practice this form of servanthood will be blessed.

True fulfillment and happiness come from embodying Christ's selfless love.

This week, you might try to seek this blessedness by committing to serve others. Pick up trash on the street. Tip on someone else’s table. Help a little old lady across the street, assuming she actually wants to cross! Transform our communities with the love of Christ. And be amazed at what God will do!