6th March 2005
- Jesus revealed the power and glory
- But it is not that which brings greatness
- Greatness is about servanthood
- Servanthood is....
1. Paying attention to the least (v.35-37)
i. One for all
- No personal discriminatory choice
- (Gal.6:10) - “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers”
ii. Being last (cf. Lk.14:8-11)
- Serving those of lowest position
- No favouritism (Jam.2:1-4)
2. Concerned with the Kingdom (v.38-40)
- No superiority (John - “not one of us”)
- Don't let pride overcome reason
- Let the Kingdom be advanced, not petty hierarchies
3. Taking care of the little things (v.41)
- Do not neglect the little matters (“cup of water”)
- e.g. - telling someone you love them; offering a tissue for a tear; a hug for the blues;
a lift to the shops; a visit; fixing something broken; etc.
4. Receiving service from others (v.41)
- Allow people to serve you - even those that seem lower
- e.g. - allowing a child to pray for you
5. Recognising the importance of the one being served (v.42)
- Consider others as better (Phil.2:3)
- (cf. Lev.19:9-18)
6. Not being a hindrance to people (v.42-49)
i. Not hindering others
ii. Taking care of your own hindrances
- Be ruthless
- Don't always try to be “whole”
- Serving demands that we put off our own things in order to serve best
7. Being at peace
- No striving to be the greatest - no “power play”
- No pride or superiority
- Allow the fire of servanthood to flavour your life
- It is not the power and glory that makes us great
- It is servanthood
-Jesus is the greatest of all
- He became the servant of all - (Phil.2:5-8)