Love That Serves

Who was influential?

Was it your Mom, Dad, someone powerful, famous, or maybe just someone who came along in your life and served you or invested in your life?

Big Idea (not on a slide this time) Jesus demonstrated love not through position, power, authority, but through humble service, by setting the standard for His followers.

I asked you about who was influential and most of you probably had a warm memory of someone, or maybe a few people that were very influential in your life.

(Illustration) There was a group of high school orchestra kids that went to see a philormonic practice and talk to the conductor. One student asked the conductor “who is the most important person in the orchestra?” The conductor quickly answered, “The most important person is the one willing to play second chair.” Then went on to explain that everyone wants first chair. Everyone wants recognition. But if nobody is willing to support, sacrifice, and serve the teach, beautiful music can never happen.

The same holds true in God’s kingdom. Where the world says climb higher, get noticed, put yourself first. Jesus says Mark 10:43 ““But it is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant;”

Jesus Redefines Greatness

Turn with me and lets look at the Mark passage in context Mark 10:43–45 ““But it is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant; and whoever wishes to be first among you 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.””

The disciples were arguing about who would be the greatest and then Jesus completely flipped their understanding.

Greatness in the world vs. Greatness in God’s kingdom

Greatness in the world; Power over people, influence, prestige, recognition, and titles. Then when it comes to God’s kingdom it is Humility, self-sacrifice, serving others and putting others before ourselves.

Greatness is measured differently

The world asks “what can people do for me?” But a servant asks “What can I do for others?” Jesus did not condemn greatness, He redefined it.

Jesus became the example

Again, go back at look at (v.45) He came to serve, not to be served and to give His life as a ransom for many.

Application: Kingdom greatness begins where selfish ambition ends

Jesus Served Without Limits

Set up the story, during the last supper Jesus did this. Turn with me to John 13:5 “Then He poured water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded.”

This was an astonishing moment, the Creator of the world is kneeling before His creation. The Master is taking the place of the lowest of servants.

He served the undeserving

Jesus washed Peter’s feet who would deny him

Jesus washed Judas feet who would betray him

Jesus washed each of their feet who would abandon Him in the garden

True love serves even when it receives nothing in return.

He served despite knowing the cost. For Jesus knew

His suffering was just a few short hours away

His disciples would abandon him.

Judas would betray him

Yet He still served them, now that is radical love. Jesus served when it was costly

Look what Paul reminds us.

Turn with me to Philippians 2:5–8 “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”

Application: Jesus teaches us that Christian service isn’t based on the worthiness of others but on the love of Christ within us.

Serving is the Path of Discipleship

Jesus did not just merely give a lesson, He gave a model

Turn with me again to John 13:14–15 ““If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. “For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you.”

Service is not optional

Notice what Jesus did not say:

Consider servicing

Think about serving; Serve if it fits your personality

He said “You should do as I have done.”

Service demonstrates Christ’s presence

People may never read the bible, they may never attend church, but they can see - - - compassion, generosity, kindness, humility and servanthood.

The world sees Jesus when believers serve like Jesus

Service Becomes our witness

One of our strongest testimonies is not what we say, it is how we love.

Acts of humble service open doors for gospel conversations.

Illustration: Lighthouse does not blow a horn, it shines a light

A lighthouse does not blow a horn all day long telling ships where it is, it simply stands and shines. Likewise, believers shine brightest when they quietly and faithfully serve others.

Service is love made visible.

Practical Application

In our homes

Serve someone, maybe your spouse without being asked

Help with chores

Listen attentively

In the church

Welcome guests, maybe sit with them, make them feel welcome and comfortable

Volunteer where there is need, do not wait to be asked directly

Encourage someone who serves behind the scenes

In the community

Help a neighbor

Visit someone who may be lonely

Meet a practical need of someone

(Below is not on the slide)

In everyday life we have opportunities

To be patient

To give your time

To carry someone’s burden

To look for unnoticed opportunities to bless others

You can ask yourself daily “Lord, who can I serve today?”

(Conclusion) The world celebrates celebrities, Jesus celebrates servants. The world says: “Rise above others.” Jesus says: “Stoop low and love others.” The greatest demonstration of love was not a speech, nor a miracle, or a display of power. It was a Savior kneeling with a towel in His hands and ultimately giving His life on a cross. Jesus loved by serving . And He calls us to do the same.

Major Takeaway

Love Serves: When we serve, we reflect the heart of Jesus. We demonstrate genuine love. We become a credible witnesses in a broken world. And we show the watching world what a changed life by Jesus Christ, looks like!

Memorable statement: “The measure of our love is not how many people serve us, but how willing we are to serve others. Love that serves is love that looks like Jesus.”

Challenge for the week: Find one person each day and intentionally serve them in a practical way without expecting recognition, thanks, or anything in return. Let your service become a visible expression of Christ’s love.

(Invitation) (Song) (Prayer)