We are continuing our look at greatness in the Kingdom of God.
 
Yesterday, we looked at two views of greatness
1. The world’s view of greatness: greatness is at the top.
2. The Lord’s view of greatness: greatness is from the bottom.
 
We saw that in the Lord’s view of greatness are two attitudes toward greatness:
1.  Greatness is ministering to the needs of others.
2.  Greatness is selling yourself over into a relationship with others.
 
THE MARK OF GREATNESS:
 
1.  The Mark of Jesus’ Greatness.
 
Matthew 20:26-28
26 “…whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— 28 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.”
 
After describing His view of greatness, Jesus offers Himself as the supreme example of greatness. He says to His followers that they are to be great ”just as” He is. 
 
Jesus’ favorite name for Himself was, “The “Son of Man.”  This was not only an implication of His humanity, but was a symbol of servanthood. Jesus’ model was to serve others without seeking others to serve Him.
 
This is why He came: Jesus came to serve and to give.
 
Someone said, “Jesus came to occupy, not a ‘throne’ but a ‘cross.’ Not a ‘conquering King’ but one broken on a cross. Not a ‘raging lion of Judah,’ but the ‘gentle lamb of God.’” 
 
Philippians 4:7 “Taking the very nature of a servant he made himself of no reputation.”
Jesus came to say, “It’s not about me, it’s about you.” The amazing paradox is that Christ has served us and has died and rose for us. It’s no longer about us, IT IS ALL ABOUT HIM!
 
2. The Mark of an Individual’s Greatness
 
A child expects to be served. But, at some point maturity should take place and a person should move from wanting to be served to wanting serve others.
 
Peter gives this instruction: 
1 Peter 2:16 (ESV)
“Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.”
 
Paul echoes this sentiment when he writes in 
1 Thessalonians 2:8 (NIV84)
We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.
 
In this one verse, we see both attitudes of serving that was discussed yesterday:
Share with you the gospel  – diakonos
Share with you our lives as well –  doulos
 
NOW HERE IS A VERY IMPORTANT QUESTION:
If you moved into a town where there were several churches, how would you select a church?  
 
Of course, their doctrine must be biblical. Yes, their pastor must have vision and a heart for God.
 
What I’m really asking is this: Would you be looking for a church that could serve you or for a church where you could serve it?
 
Now, understand, we need both. Some are just now beginning their life as a believer. The Bible says they are babes in the Lord.  The main thing they need right now is a church to serve them. But, there should come a point where they will begin to ask, where can I serve God in the church?
 
God is looking for people who will sell themselves over in a relationship to Him and to His other children (become a doulos) and then who will diakonos, carry out ministry to others.
 
And that is the mark of an individual’s greatness: serving and giving our lives for others.