In a recent sermon, Missionary Joshua Clay, serving in the Ivory Coast, shared a compelling message from the Gospel of Mark, chapters 9 and 10. Drawing from his experiences and the vivid narrative of Jesus’ teachings, he challenged the congregation to rethink the meaning of greatness. Through the disciples’ misunderstandings and Christ’s corrective wisdom, this message reveals that true greatness in God’s kingdom is not about power or status but about humble service and enduring faith. Below is a sermon to inspire and encourage believers to pursue greatness through servanthood.
The Action-Packed Gospel of Mark
The Gospel of Mark is a dynamic book, presenting Jesus as the Son of God through His miraculous actions and teachings. As Missionary Joshua Clay shared, Mark’s narrative is like an action film, fast-paced and focused on Christ’s deeds. Having preached through Mark in the Ivory Coast, Brother Joshua highlighted a pivotal moment in chapters 9 and 10 where Jesus corrects the disciples’ misconceptions about greatness. This message challenges us to redefine greatness not as the world does but as God intends through service, humility, and perseverance.
The Disciples’ Dispute Over Greatness
In Mark 9:33-37 (KJV), we read: “And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way? But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest. And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all. And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them, Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receiveth me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me.” This passage follows the Transfiguration, where Peter, James, and John witnessed Jesus in His divine glory, confirming He is the Messiah. Yet, on their way down the mountain, the disciples argued about who would be the greatest in the kingdom they expected Jesus to establish, imagining a powerful earthly rule.
Jesus Redefines Greatness
Jesus, however, redefined greatness. He taught that to be first, one must be last and a servant of all, using a child as an example of humble, unassuming service. The disciples struggled with this lesson, as seen in Mark 10:35-45 (KJV): “And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, come unto him, saying, Master, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire. And he said unto them, What would ye that I should do for you? They said unto him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory. But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? And they said unto him, We can. And Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized: But to sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give; but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared.” James and John sought positions of power, reflecting a worldly view of greatness akin to Gentile rulers. Jesus corrected them, emphasizing that true greatness involves serving others, even at great personal cost.
The Cost of Misguided Desires
Brother Joshua illustrated this with a story about his two-year-old son, Judah, who insists on eating spicy Ivory Coast pimol sauce despite warnings. Like Judah, James and John sought greatness without understanding its implications. Jesus pointed to His own life, saying the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve and give His life as a ransom. The “cup” and “baptism” He referenced foreshadowed His suffering, a path the disciples would also walk. As believers, we often ask God for things without grasping their true cost, yet God’s wisdom guides us to trust His plan.
Servanthood: The Heart of Greatness
Jesus contrasted the Gentile model of authority, where the powerful are served, with God’s kingdom, where greatness means serving others. Brother Joshua shared how, in the Ivory Coast, government officials with yellow license plates expect others to yield the road, reflecting worldly privilege. Yet, Jesus calls believers to surrender their rights, as Paul taught in Romans 14, to serve weaker brothers and sisters. The Greek word diakonos (deacon), meaning servant, underscores this call. A deacon’s role is to serve the church and community, not to seek personal glory, embodying the humility required for true greatness.
Embracing Humility in Service
Serving, especially those who cannot repay, like children, requires humility. Brother Joshua noted that children rarely express gratitude, yet serving them reflects Christ’s heart. Similarly, serving in the church, as pastors and members do, can be humbling and even thankless. Yet, Jesus calls us to serve all, regardless of status, because true greatness lies in selfless service to others, not in seeking recognition or reward.
Greatness Through Suffering
Greatness also involves suffering. Jesus warned James and John that the path to glory includes drinking His cup of suffering. In the Ivory Coast, the prosperity gospel falsely promises an easy life, but Scripture, like 1 Peter 4:12 (KJV), reminds us: “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you.” Trials are normal for Christians pursuing greatness, but God walks with us through them, strengthening our faith and resolve.
A Missionary’s Example of Faithful Service
Brother Joshua reflected on his mentor, Brother Bob Mack, a missionary in the Ivory Coast for 25 years. His greatness lies in faithfully serving one step at a time, trusting God through trials. This example challenges us to take the next step of service, whether in our local community or across the globe. The Great Commission to reach the world for Christ is daunting, but when each believer commits to humble service, God accomplishes great things through His church.
Conclusion
True greatness in God’s kingdom is found in serving others, embracing humility, and persevering through suffering. As Missionary Joshua Clay challenged, let us commit to following Jesus’ example, taking the next step of service, whether here or abroad. May we pray, as he did, for God to use our church to advance the gospel, with each member surrendered to serve. “Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for your word and the truth that to be first, we must be last and servant of all. Use this church to do great things for your gospel’s sake, as we humbly follow you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
