Humility and Service

Jesus taught greatness through service - the Son of Man came to serve, not be served.

Key Concept

Calling them to Himself, Jesus said to them, “You know that those who are recognized as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them; and their great men exercise authority over them. 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.”Mark 10:42-45 NASB1995

• Came to serve and give His life - greatness in the kingdom runs opposite the world's ladder.
• Level 1: In God's kingdom, the person who helps others is great - not the one who climbs over everyone to get on top.
• Level 2: Jesus came to serve and give His life - real greatness bends down like a parent tying a child's shoe, not climbing the worldly ladder.
• Level 3: Worldly rank climbs upward; kingdom greatness bends downward to serve and give - opposite directions, opposite rewards.
• Level 4: Measure greatness by who you served, not by who served your platform.
• Level 5: Servant Leadership and Follow Christ, Then Lead keep the ladder inverted - influence without climbing over people.
• Status in the kingdom runs opposite to the world's ladder: exalt yourself and you will be humbled; humble yourself and you will be exalted.
• Service is the path to kingdom reward and greatness before God - not the price of Free Grace.
• Faithful Steward is the parable shape: well done for faithful use of what He entrusted.

Examples

• I helped a neighbor move and waited for credit in the group chat - greatness is serving, not being served.
• I organized snacks for my kid's basketball team on Sunday and came home expecting my family to serve me back - wash feet here too, not only where people can see you.

Note Relationships