esson 1: Defining True Greatness
Main Texts:
Matthew 20:26-28
Mark 9:35
Objective:
To help participants understand that true greatness in God’s Kingdom is not about
power, prestige, or status, but about humility and service.
To emphasize that in God's eyes, greatness is determined by how well we serve
others and reflect His love.
Key Point:
True greatness in God's Kingdom is measured by servanthood. Jesus modeled
greatness through His humble service, not through power or dominance.
Lesson Outline:
1. Introduction: The World's View of Greatness (5-10 minutes)
Begin by asking the group: What does the world typically consider as greatness?
(Examples: fame, wealth, power, leadership, achievements)
Discuss the concept of greatness in today's society.
Many associate greatness with control, authority, and recognition.
Transition into the idea that Jesus redefined greatness in a radical way.
2. Jesus’ Teaching on Greatness (10-15 minutes)
Read Matthew 20:26-28 and Mark 9:35 aloud.
Matthew 20:26-28: Jesus teaches His disciples that "whoever wants to become great
among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your
slave."
Mark 9:35: Jesus says, "Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and
the servant of all."
Discussion Question: What does Jesus mean by saying that "the last will be first"
and "whoever wants to be great must be a servant"?
Jesus is contrasting worldly views of greatness (self-promotion, control) with
the Kingdom values (humility, serving others).
3. Exploring Humility and Servanthood (10-15 minutes)
What is Humility?
Humility is the quality of being humble, which means having a low view of one’s
own importance. It’s not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself
less.
Jesus showed ultimate humility by choosing to serve others and ultimately die for
humanity’s sins.
What Does it Mean to Be a Servant?
Servanthood in the Kingdom of God means putting others' needs before your own and
seeking their well-being rather than seeking personal gain.
Jesus Himself demonstrated this by washing His disciples' feet (John 13:1-17).
Jesus’ Example:
Jesus’ life was the ultimate example of servanthood. He did not come to be
served, but to serve others (Mark 10:45). He lived out His teachings by healing,
teaching, and sacrificing Himself on the cross.
4. Practical Applications (15-20 minutes)
Personal Reflection:
Ask participants to reflect on a time when they experienced true service from
someone. How did it make them feel?
How does serving others impact us? (E.g., it brings joy, deepens relationships,
reflects God's love)
Application in Our Lives:
How can we apply this principle of servanthood in our everyday lives?
At home: How can we serve our family members humbly?
At work or school: What does it look like to serve others with a humble attitude
in our jobs or school environments?
In the church: How can we serve others in our local church community?
Small Group Discussion: Share practical examples where we might serve
others—whether it's helping someone in need, listening to someone, volunteering,
or offering to help with a task.
5. Biblical Examples of Greatness Through Service (10-15 minutes)
Jesus Himself – Ultimate Model of Servant Leadership:
John 13:1-17: Jesus washes His disciples' feet. He, being their Lord, humbles
Himself to do the work of a servant.
Philippians 2:5-8: Paul calls believers to have the same attitude of humility
that Christ had, who humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death on
the cross.
Other Examples:
The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37): The Samaritan goes out of his way to serve a
man in need, showing compassion and mercy, even when others passed by.
Ruth: Ruth humbly serves Naomi, leaving behind her own people to care for her
mother-in-law, exemplifying selflessness and devotion.
6. Group Activity: The Servant’s Challenge (10 minutes)
Activity: Have participants brainstorm ways they can serve someone this week,
either within their church, family, or community. Encourage them to commit to one
specific act of service.
Examples: Offering to help a neighbor, serving at a food bank, reaching out to
someone in need, doing something kind for a family member without expecting
anything in return.
Closing Thought:
Greatness in God's Kingdom is not about position, wealth, or power. It is about
becoming a servant to others.
Challenge the group to follow Jesus’ example of humility and service, reflecting
His love to everyone they encounter.
7. Closing Prayer (5 minutes)
Close the session with a prayer asking for God’s strength to follow Jesus’
example of humility and service.
Ask God to help everyone in the group to see opportunities to serve others and to
do so with a heart full of love and humility.
Discussion Questions for Group Reflection:
What is your initial reaction to the idea that greatness comes from serving
others?
How can you change your mindset to reflect true greatness in your life?
In what areas of your life are you tempted to pursue greatness in worldly terms
(e.g., power, recognition)? How can you shift those desires toward servanthood?
What would it look like for your family, church, or community to embrace
greatness through humility and service?
Memory Verse for the Week:
Matthew 20:26: “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.”
Encourage the group to memorize this verse and reflect on it throughout the week
as a reminder of what true greatness is in God's eyes.
