Go! And Serve Others - Mark 9:35 Series

Go! And Serve Others

Introduction

It is a joy to gather together and open the Word of God. Today, we are focusing on a powerful and challenging call from Jesus—a call to serve others. The world tells us that greatness is about power, influence, and status. But Jesus turns this thinking upside down. He calls us to a different kind of greatness—the greatness of serving others.

Our key verse for today is Mark 9:35 (NLT):"He sat down, called the twelve disciples over to him, and said, ‘Whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else.’"

Jesus spoke these words after His disciples had been arguing about who was the greatest. He had just predicted His suffering, death, and resurrection, yet His disciples were concerned with status. Jesus then sat down—an act signifying that He was about to teach something important.

The Greek word for "servant" here is diakonos, which means one who executes the commands of another, someone who cares for the needs of others, like a table waiter. Jesus was showing that true greatness in God’s kingdom comes from humility and serving others.

Point 1: Serving Others Reflects the Heart of Jesus

Philippians 2:5-7 (NLT) says:"You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being."

Jesus, though fully God, chose to humble Himself. The Greek word for "gave up" (kenosis) means He emptied Himself of divine privileges to serve humanity.

If Jesus, the King of Kings, chose to serve, how much more should we?

Look for ways to serve in your home, workplace, and church. True followers of Christ imitate His humility and service.

Imagine a CEO of a major company who, instead of demanding service, washes the floors and serves coffee to his employees. That is the kind of radical service Jesus exemplified.

Pastor Rick Warren said, "The only way you can serve God is by serving other people."

Point 2: Serving Others Demonstrates Genuine Love

Galatians 5:13 (NLT):"For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love."

The word for "serve" here is douleuo, meaning to be a slave to. True service is sacrificial.

Our service must be motivated by love, not obligation or recognition.

Ask yourself—Do I serve out of love or for applause? Love-driven service brings joy and glorifies God.

A mother who wakes up in the middle of the night to care for her sick child doesn’t do it for thanks but out of love. That’s how we should serve others.

Perhaps not all of us can do great things. But, we must endeavour to do even the small things with great love.

Point 3: Serving Others Brings Eternal Reward

Matthew 25:40 (NLT):"And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’"

Jesus identifies Himself with those in need. The Greek word for "least" (elachistos) means the smallest, the most insignificant.

Every act of service done for others is ultimately done for Christ.

Never underestimate small acts of kindness. They store up treasures in heaven.

A man once handed a homeless person a warm coat in winter. Years later, that same man found himself in a desperate situation, only to be helped by someone he never expected—proof that God honours acts of service.

Charles Spurgeon said, "He who serves God serves others most truly."

Conclusion

Jesus redefined greatness. It’s not about status, but servanthood. We must:

Serve others as Jesus did.

Serve with love, not obligation.

Serve with eternity in mind, knowing our reward is in heaven.

Call to Action:

Ask yourself today: How can I serve others? Can I volunteer at church? Help a neighbour? Serve my family with a joyful heart?

Commit to serve this week. Start small, but start today!

Invitation to Faith:

If you have never experienced the love of Jesus, today is the day. He served you by giving His life on the cross so you could have eternal life. Will you accept His love today? Turn to Him, repent, and receive salvation.

Let’s pray.

May we all go forth and serve as Jesus served! Amen.