Introduction: If you want to be great, learn to be a “servant”! Those are the words of Jesus Christ. In fact, He came to seek and to save, but also to serve.

1. Jesus demonstrated Servanthood! (John 13:4-5) – “He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.”

Get the picture. Just before laying down His life for the sins of the whole world, Jesus sets the example by getting a towel and washing the feet of the disciples. Then he explained to them that they were to go and do the same. 

“Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you” (John 13:13-15).

Have you washed anybody’s feet lately?

2. Jesus described Servanthood! (Matt 20:25-28) – “But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”

After mildly rebuking the mother of James and John who requested that her sons sit on the right and left hand of Jesus in His kingdom, He revealed His purpose for being in the world, namely, to give His life for the redemption of mankind. But at the same time, He would influence countless millions by setting the example of servanthood. 

Are you being a servant?

Conclusion: Our world has reversed the secret to being great. Instead of counting how many people are serving us, Jesus made it clear that we should be serving others. You want to be great in the eyes of our Lord? Learn to serve others.