1. Servanthood: A path to greatness
Matthew
20:20-28

2. Greatness in eternity requires humility now.
The Example of Greatness
Matt. 20:20-28
Greatness in eternity requires humility now.

3. The Request for Greatness Matthew 20:20-23
The Way to Greatness Matthew 20:24-28
The Example of Greatness Philippians 2:5-11

4. The request was for the highest positions of honor.
Jesus made clear that granting the request involved more than they realized.
It involved earning it.
It involved suffering.
The Request
Mt. 20:20-23

5. Once again, the issue is not eternal life, but reward.
It involves worthiness, merit, good works.
God is the One who will determine position in the Kingdom.
The other ten disciples did not seem to appreciate the possibility of a “lower spot”.
The Request
Mt. 20:20-23

6. Their example of the path to greatness was not to be the world.
The Way to Greatness
Mt. 20:24-29
Their example of the path to greatness was not to be the world.
Far from dismissing the idea of differences in the Kingdom, Jesus explains and encourages a pursuit of greatness in God’s eyes.
But, it may well not have been the path they expected.

7. The path to greatness later is servanthood now.
The Way to Greatness
Mt. 20:24-29
The path to greatness later is servanthood now.
And, apparently servanthood includes the possibility of suffering for our faith ( and 28).
It also seems to involve more John 13:1-17

8. Jesus knew what was coming and when (1-4).
John 13:1-7
Humility embodied
Jesus knew what was coming and when (1-4).
He also knew who was going to betray him.
And before he does, Jesus washes the feet…of everyone!
At the beginning of the end, Jesus picks this event to prepare His disciples.

9. Peter realized the gravity of his Master washing his feet. (v. 6)
John 13:1-7
Humility embodied
Peter realized the gravity of his Master washing his feet.
(v. 6)
This act of servanthood also pictured forgiveness (7-11).
Forgiveness is both eternal and temporal (10).
All of us need both relational and fellowship forgiveness.

10. The Washing of God: Forgiveness
Permanent
In eternity
Relational Forgiveness
Ongoing
Faith
In time
Fellowship Forgiveness

11. All believers should be servants.
John 13:1-7
Humility embodied
Sadly, Judas was not one who had believed and, therefore, was not washed.
(v. 11)
All believers should be servants.
As servants, we should also extend a servant’s heart, forgiveness, and cleansing to one another.

12. Unity is achieved through humility (2:3-4)
The Example of Greatness
Phil. 2:3-11
Unity is achieved through humility (2:3-4)
And, humility is expressed by serving others and making their needs a priority.
Jesus is the perfect Example of this mindset.
(2:5-8)

13. Jesus is also the perfect Example of servanthood to greatness
The Example of Greatness
Phil. 2:3-11
Jesus is also the perfect Example of servanthood to greatness
(2:9-11)
The greatest Servant in history received the greatest exaltation of all time!

14. The Example of Greatness
Phil. 2:3-11
In what areas is my pride keeping me from being like Christ?
In what areas can I be a better servant to… (my friends, my family/spouse, my job, teacher, students)?
Am I willing to cleanse those close to me with forgiveness or spiritual encouragement/challenge?

15. The Example of Greatness
Phil. 2:3-11
Am I willing to put the interests of others before mine, even if it means suffering?
Am I willing to put God’s priorities ahead of mine and serve Him?
Am I willing to humble myself now, believing that my eternity will be dramatically and eternally impacted?

16. Greatness in eternity requires humility now.
The Example of Greatness
Matt. 20:20-28
Greatness in eternity requires humility now.