The Greatest Among You Series

Introduction – Rethinking Greatness

Good morning, church.

Let me ask you something: When you hear the word “greatness,” what comes to mind? Maybe you think of Tom Brady, Michael Jordan or Serena Williams. Maybe it’s a political leader, a business giant, or even someone you look up to in your family.

The world defines greatness by power, wealth, beauty, or success. We scroll through Instagram, and greatness looks like influence. We check the news, and greatness looks like power.

But Jesus flips it all upside down. He says the greatest among us is not the one at the head of the table but the one who takes the lowest seat. The greatest isn’t the one being served—it’s the one serving.

(Read Luke 14:7–15)

1) Humility Over Status

In Luke 14, Jesus notices people scrambling for the best seats at the table. He tells them, “Don’t sit in the place of honor. Sit at the lowest place, so the host can invite you higher.”

That’s not just dining advice—it’s a kingdom principle. Jesus is saying: stop chasing recognition. Greatness doesn’t come from being seen, it comes from humility.

Illustration: Think about a wedding reception. Everybody knows there’s a head table. Imagine if you just walked up and sat in the bride and groom’s spot—awkward! Jesus is saying in His kingdom, the head table isn’t the goal. It’s being willing to serve behind the scenes, maybe even take a seat at the kiddy table.

Application: Where in your life are you tempted to grab the best seat? Is it at work, in your family, or even in church? This week, try taking the “lowest seat”—the job nobody notices, the kindness no one thanks you for.

(John 13:1–17)

2) Serving Like Jesus

John 13 gives us one of the most powerful pictures of greatness. The disciples walk into the upper room. There’s the basin, there’s the towel—but no one moves. Then Jesus, the Son of God, kneels down and washes their feet.

They’re shocked. Peter even resists. But Jesus says, “I have given you an example. Do as I have done to you.”

Illustration: Picture the CEO of a Fortune 500 company scrubbing toilets in the office bathroom before the employees arrive. That’s the shock the disciples felt.

Application: Who’s God calling you to serve this week in a surprising way? Maybe it’s someone in your home, a coworker, or even someone who annoys you. Service isn’t about them deserving it—it’s about us reflecting Jesus.

(Matthew 15:21–28)

3) No Qualifications for Grace

In Matthew 15, a Canaanite woman comes begging for Jesus to heal her daughter. The disciples want to push her away—she doesn’t fit their idea of who “deserves” help.

But Jesus stops, listens, and answers her faith. He shows that God’s mercy has no qualifications.

Illustration: We live in a culture of qualifications. You want a job? You need the degree. You want a loan? You need the credit score. But with Jesus, the only requirement is faith.

Application: Who are the people in your life you’ve been tempted to “disqualify”? The ones you think are too far gone, too annoying, too broken? Jesus reminds us: His grace is for them, too.

(1 Samuel 16:1–13)

4) God Looks at the Heart

When Samuel is sent to anoint the next king, he sees David’s older brothers and thinks, “This must be the one.” But God says, “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

We get so wrapped up in appearances—clothes, resumes, social media profiles—but God isn’t impressed by that. He cares about the heart.

Illustration: Think of the job interview process today—polished resume, neat suit, perfect answers. And yet, how many times has the person who looked the best on paper been the wrong fit? God doesn’t hire based on resumes—He chooses based on character.

Application: If God were to weigh your heart this week, what would He see? A heart full of pride, or one open to humility and service?

(Philippians 2:1–11)

5) The Example of Christ

Paul brings it all together in Philippians 2: “You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.6 Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to.7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave.”

Jesus is the ultimate model of greatness. He left heaven, took on human flesh, and humbled Himself to death on a cross. And because He humbled Himself, God exalted Him to the highest place.

Illustration: Think of how many leaders cling to power—dictators, politicians, even corporate heads. They fight to keep their position. But Jesus did the opposite—He gave it up. That’s why His name is above every other name.

Application: True greatness for us doesn’t mean climbing higher—it means stooping lower. It’s not about status, it’s about service.