Sermon Notes
Current workbook: Genesis Daily Word
What does it mean to follow Jesus as a servant? Jesus shows that greatness is not found in recognition or control, but in loving people through humble, practical service. We serve because Jesus first loved and served us.
Quick recap
- Jesus leads by example and takes the servant’s place.
- Grace frees us to serve people who have not earned it.
- God’s gifts are meant to move through us for the good of others.
- We do not serve to earn God’s love; we serve because He loved us first.
- Our next step is to give God our yes and offer what is already in our hands.
Read
Scripture from the message
- Mark 10:42–45
- John 13:1–17
- Romans 5:8
- Galatians 1:10
- 1 Peter 4:10
- Ephesians 2:10
- Acts 20:35
- John 13:14–17
- Acts 13:2
- Philippians 2:3–8
Reflect
Questions for reflection
- Where am I seeking recognition instead of noticing someone else’s needs?
- How does remembering that Jesus served me first change my motivation?
- What has God placed in my hands that could bless another person?
- What is one specific act of service I can offer this week?
Keep responding after service
- Explore Sunday serving opportunities and connect directly with a team leader.
- Find a Life Group or community gathering to keep growing with people.
- Visit the message archive for more teaching and notes.
Go Deeper
Full message notes
Jesus leads by example
Read: Mark 10:42–45; John 13:1–17.
Jesus contrasts the world’s pursuit of power with greatness expressed through service. At the table with His disciples, He takes a towel and washes their feet. His secure relationship with the Father frees Him to take the servant’s place. Knowing who we are in Christ can free us from the need to protect our importance or seek recognition.
Jesus serves the undeserving
Read: Romans 5:8.
Jesus washes Judas’ feet even though He knows betrayal is coming. His example challenges the idea that service should be reserved for people who have earned it. Having received grace, we can extend grace to others.
A servant’s heart looks beyond itself
Read: Galatians 1:10; 1 Peter 4:10; Ephesians 2:10.
Volunteering and having a servant’s heart are not automatically the same thing. We can be busy helping while still seeking comfort, attention, or approval. God’s gifts are meant to bless others. We can ask what God has entrusted to us and where we can participate in the good He is doing.
Trust Jesus with what is in your hands
Josh points to the boy’s five loaves and two fish as a picture of offering what seems small to Jesus. Limited ability, resources, or experience do not make faithfulness meaningless. We can offer what we have and trust Jesus with the outcome.
There is blessing in giving
Read: Acts 20:35; John 13:14–17.
Serving can be inconvenient, tiring, and unnoticed. Yet there is joy in knowing that our lives matter beyond ourselves. As we give, encourage, and help, our hearts can grow toward the generous heart of Jesus.
We do not serve to earn God’s love
Jesus serves us first. His love and sacrifice precede anything we could do for Him. Serving is a response to grace, not a way to purchase acceptance.
Give God your yes
Read: Acts 13:2; Philippians 2:3–8.
Time, hospitality, compassion, creativity, practical skills, teaching, a home, and a willingness to show up can all become ways to serve. The next step may be a simple act of faithfulness at home, at work, in our neighborhood, or in our church family.
About these notes
Speaker: Pastor Josh Harmony
Date: September 13, 2026
Notes source: Josh’s supplied final message notes and slides. This recap is a reading companion, not a transcript of the delivered message.