To Be Greatest You Must Be Least

I. Introduction: Paradoxes of the Bible. Seems contradictory but is not.

[!NOTE] Primary Scripture Reading: John 13:2-10

II. Desire for prominence

A. Pride causes us to think more highly of ourselves

B. The prideful think they must be heard and seen though they pay no attention to others.

C. They think they deserve special treatment or privilege

D. Most of us are angry at people who cut in line before us when we have been patiently waiting for a long time. We are frustrated when we see people of power or influence lightly punished for crimes that bring harsh penalties on others.

E. Romans 12:3 – We must not to think to highly of ourselves

III. Apostles had to learn the importance of being least

A. The apostles, like so many people, wanted to have power over others.

B. Mark 9:33-37

C. The apostles disputed about who would be the greatest in the kingdom.

D. They were not focusing on spiritual things but on worldly position. For one to be great another had to be least and it caused contention. Jesus took the smallest and most vulnerable of people—a child—and told them that they had to become like a child to be great.

E. Matthew 20:20-28

F. The mother of James and John asked that her sons be the top two rulers in Jesus’ new kingdom.

G. A place in the kingdom would be purchased at a great price for the disciples – the baptism of suffering. Even though they would suffer for Christ, it would not give them a place of authority, indeed many would suffer for Christ.

H. Jesus said that such an office was not His to give and that His kingdom was not like the earthly kingdoms with such lines of authority.

I. In the new kingdom, service, not being served, is most important. The king himself proved this by giving the ultimate service—His life—to save many.

J. John 13:2-17

K. Jesus held the greatest position of authority yet He washed their feet. ISBE: Foot washing was ” always done when entering the house, especially the better upper rooms which are usually carpeted. It is a common dictate of good manners to perform this duty to a visitor, either personally or through a servant; at least water for washing has to be presented (Gen_18:4; Luk_7:44)…At an early date this service was considered one of the lowest tasks of servants (1 Sa_25:41), probably because the youngest and least trained servants were charged with the task, or because of the idea of defilement connected with the foot.”

L. The apostles were probably uncomfortable and confused by Jesus’ action; the Lord acting like a servant.

M. Peter voiced his discomfort and sought to discourage Jesus from washing his feet. Peter’s protest seemed humble but not perfect humility for he did not want to submit to the desire and will of Jesus. When Jesus rebuked him, Peter overreacted—if I cannot be a part of you without washing, wash me completely. Jesus corrected this as well; He was not doing this as ceremony or rite but provided service that they genuinely needed even if he had to act like the lowest servant in the house to do it.

N. If Jesus washed the apostles’ feet, only pride could prevent them from washing one another’s feet; they would exalt themselves above Jesus.

O. Matthew Henry: “Duties are mutual; we must both accept help from our brethren, and afford help to our brethren. When we see our Master serving, we cannot but see how ill it becomes us to domineer.” Washing feet is not service in the spotlight for all to see and that will garner pats on the back. Washing feet is not service by proxy—letting the church or some organization do the work for you. Washing feet is service that is dirty, undignified, and humbling but necessary and helpful.

IV. Vision of the King for His Kingdom

A. Imagine a kingdom in which all of its subjects are serving one another which ultimately is service to the king!

B. There is no room for pride, self-seeking, or arrogance in a servant. Instead of becoming full of ourselves we, like Jesus, must empty ourselves.

C. Pride and unwillingness to be least causes strife

D. In Mark 9 and Matthew 20, we note that when the apostles sought to see who would be most important, strife and disputation resulted. I am afraid that many disputes among brethren are caused by exaltation of self among brethren, a desire for importance, or plain old selfishness. The solution to such division and strife is selfless service to those whom we esteem least and esteeming others better than self. Philippians 2:1-9 – esteem others better than self

V. Conclusion: If Jesus humbled Himself to serve others, how can we do any less? The selfless life of Jesus and His self-sacrificing death teach us greatness through service. Jesus wants us to have the same mind; less of me and more of you, none of me and all of Christ.

VI. To Be Greatest You Must Be The Least