Sermon About Discipleship – Learning to Be a Servant

We focus on the heart of discipleship: learning to be a servant. Following Jesus is not a path to earthly power or prestige, but a humble journey of selflessness and service, mirroring the very life of our Master. Let us explore the essential aspects of this transformative calling.

1. Discipleship begins with a call to renunciation (Luke 9:23)

“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” The very first step on the path of discipleship is a call to self-denial. It requires us to set aside our own desires, ambitions, and agendas, and to embrace the way of the cross – a daily commitment to sacrifice and obedience to Christ.

2. The greatest in the Kingdom is the servant of all (Mark 9:35)

“If anyone wants to be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” In the upside-down Kingdom of God, true greatness is found not in position or power, but in humility and service. To desire prominence is to miss the very essence of following Jesus, who Himself came as a servant.

3. Jesus gave us an example of service (John 13:14-15)

“If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I did to you.” Jesus, the Lord of all, humbled Himself to perform the task of a servant. His act of washing the disciples' feet is a powerful demonstration of the kind of selfless service that should characterize our lives as His followers.

4. The true disciple obeys the Master (John 8:31)

“If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples.” Discipleship is not merely about intellectual agreement or outward profession; it is about consistent obedience to the teachings of Jesus. A true servant listens to and follows the instructions of the Master, allowing His Word to shape their thoughts, actions, and attitudes.

5. The servant does not seek his own glory (Philippians 2:3-4)

“Do nothing through selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” A servant's heart is marked by humility and selflessness. We are called to put the needs and interests of others before our own, seeking to uplift and serve them without the expectation of personal recognition or reward.

6. Discipleship is living to serve, not to be served (Matthew 20:28)

“The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Jesus Himself embodies the essence of servanthood. He did not come to be waited upon, but to pour out His life in service to humanity. As His disciples, we are called to adopt the same posture, living to serve rather than to be served.

7. Discipleship involves constant humility (James 4:10)

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” Humility is not a one-time act, but a continuous posture of the heart in discipleship. As we humble ourselves before the Lord, recognizing our dependence on Him, He exalts us in His perfect timing and equips us for greater service.

8. The servant is faithful even in what seems small (Luke 16:10)

“Whoever is faithful in little is also faithful in much, and whoever is unrighteous in little is also unrighteous in much.” True servanthood is demonstrated not only in grand gestures but also in the faithful execution of seemingly insignificant tasks. Our willingness to serve in the small things reveals the true character of our hearts.

9. Serving Christ is serving others with love (Galatians 5:13)

“Through love serve one another.” The motivation behind our service should be love. Just as Christ loved us and served us, so too are we called to serve one another with genuine care, compassion, and a desire to meet their needs.

10. The servant who perseveres will be rewarded (Matthew 25:21)

“Good and faithful servant, you have been faithful over a few things, I will put you in charge of many things. Come, share your master’s happiness.” The path of servanthood may not always be easy, but the Lord promises a reward for those who remain faithful. Those who serve Him diligently will be entrusted with greater responsibility and will share in the joy of their Master.

Conclusion

Therefore, brothers and sisters, let us embrace the calling to be servants. Let us deny ourselves, follow Christ's example, obey His Word, and serve one another with love and humility. May we be found faithful in the small things and the great, knowing that our ultimate reward lies in the joy of our Master. Amen.

Sermon About Discipleship – Learning to Be a Servant