The Upside Down Way of God (Part 1)

Servanthood Is Greatness
Matthew 20:20-28

The Big Idea: In the world, greatness is determined by how many people serve you; but, in God’s kingdom, greatness is determined by how many people you serve.

I. Why Most People Don’t Achieve True Greatness

A. Selfishness

“Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons [James and John] and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him. ‘What is it you want?’ he asked. She said, ‘Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom’” (vv. 20-21).

B. Misunderstanding

“Jesus called them together and said, ‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you’” (vv. 25-26a).

II. How We Can Achieve True Greatness

A. Serve others.

“Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave" (vv. 26b-27).

The world’s thinking: You rise to greatness; Jesus’ teaching: You descend to greatness.

B. Live like Jesus did.

“Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (v. 28).