Title: A Lesson in Humble Service

Text: Matthew 23:1-15

Introduction:

Matthew 23:11 – “But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.”

I read a story about President Abraham Lincoln. A ranking government official walked into his office one day and was startled. There was the President of the United States — shining his own shoes.

The man gasped, “Sir, surely you do not polish your own shoes!”

And Lincoln calmly replied, “Of course. Whose do you polish?”

That question still hits us today. In our world, greatness means people serve you. In God’s Kingdom, greatness means you serve people.

As Filipinos, we have this old saying: “The taller the bamboo grows, the lower it bends.” The higher it goes, the more humble it becomes. And in church, the greatest example of this is not a president. It’s Jesus. Today, I want us to learn together A Lesson In Humble Service.

If we want to be great in God’s eyes, we must learn to serve as Jesus served.

Let’s look at 3 things: The Precept, The Pattern, and The Posture of service.

I. THE PRECEPT OF SERVICE: THE WORD OF JESUS

Matthew 23:11 – “But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.”

Jesus said this to people who loved titles, front seats, and recognition. He was resetting their definition of greatness.

Illustration:

Let me give you two examples of employees’ approaches that I read about in someone’s article. One is the World approach, while the other is the Kingdom approach.

1. The World’s Approach: This individual consistently seeks attention, cultivates their personal brand, shifts blame onto others, and selects assignments that will attract senior leadership’s notice. They assess their value based on the number of people they supervise.
2. The Kingdom Approach: The other employee works late to fix a crucial system bug, assists a struggling coworker with a report, and supports the team’s success without seeking the spotlight. They evaluate their value by how well they solve problems for others.

The Lord Jesus Christ reorients our perspective—genuine influence isn’t founded on a title or status; it’s rooted in a compassionate heart.

A. The PRINCIPLE Preserved

The world claims that the greatest person is the one with the most power. The more individuals you control, the higher your status. Human culture judges authority by how many people obey you, respond to your commands, and make life easier for you.

God states: The highest status goes to those with the most towels. Serving more people elevates your greatness. In the Kingdom, the hierarchy is reversed. Genuine nobility isn’t based on the number of servants you have, but on how many individuals you work to uplift.

The Lord Jesus Christ was not opposed to leadership itself, but to selfish leadership. He does not prohibit the desire for greatness; instead, He guides it from seeking to dominate others to sharing grace.

B. The PATH Pursued

Servanthood is not a regression; it’s an elevation. In God’s Kingdom, progress isn’t achieved by lifting yourself above others but by humbling yourself. Advancement in heaven is rooted in lowering yourself on earth. As they say, the way to go up is to go down on your knees.

Servanthood is a permanent aspect of faith. Jesus declared that ‘shall be your servant,’ emphasizing it as a core part of our identity. It is not just a seasonal duty, a brief stepping stone for advantage, or limited to deacons and church workers. Instead, it defines the lifelong identity of every believer who follows Him.

Shift your mindset from asking “Who will serve me?” to considering “Who can I serve today?”

Don’t wait for an official ministry title, appointment, or platform to begin. God has already endowed everyone in this room with time, talents, strength, and resources. Whether you’re stacking chairs after services, greeting strangers with a smile, holding the door for a struggling parent, or praying faithfully for someone in pain—every believer is called to engage actively. You don’t require a pulpit or title to possess a servant’s heart; you only need awareness of needs and a willingness to help.

Jesus set the standard for us. But He didn’t only instruct us—He demonstrated it.

 II. THE PATTERN OF SERVICE: THE LIFE OF JESUS

Philippians 2:7 – “made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant”

John 13:4-5, 14-15 – Jesus washes the disciples’ feet

John 13:4–5 – Jesus gets up from supper, lays aside His outer garments, wraps a towel around His waist, and washes the disciples’ feet.

Illustration:

On the night before the cross, in the upper room, Jesus stood up, removed His outer garments, took a towel, poured water into a basin, and started washing the dirty feet. Imagine a church event such as a conference or a family gathering where an unexpected mess happens.

1. The messy reality: Following a big fellowship meal, the kitchen is cluttered with greasy pots, spills on the floor, and overflowing garbage bags.
2. The Servant’s Response: Usually, people pass by the kitchen on their way to the sanctuary to chat or check their phones. However, someone with the humility of Jesus quietly rolls up their sleeves, takes the dish soap and a trash bag, and begins scrubbing. They don’t wait for instructions from the pastor or team leader; when they see dirt, they step in and clean it.

During my visits to major conferences in the Philippines, I couldn’t help but acknowledge and commend those members who work tirelessly throughout the night behind the lines with little recognition, yet they demonstrate true greatness.

The Lord Jesus Christ didn’t only teach about service from afar—He personally knelt on a dirty floor and touched dusty, foul-smelling feet. No task within God’s house or in your home is too humble for a follower of Christ.

A. The POSITION Relinquished

He picked up a towel – voluntarily accepting the role of the lowest and most overlooked servant in the household. He took on the task that nobody else wanted or volunteered for.

He removed His garments—signs of authority and social rank—and did not cling to His heavenly rights or His earthly role as Master.

I was reminded by a lawyer in Tavua, Fiji, who is a member of our mission work. Though she holds the position, watching her attitude, she never paraded her title and humbly mingled with everyone, and it seems you would not even think she is a lawyer.

Like the bamboo, He bent low. Though He was the King of Kings, holding universe-creating power in His hands, He intentionally placed those same hands onto the floor to serve mortal men.

B. The POLLUTION Removed

He gave a command – “I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.” He wasn’t merely making a casual suggestion; He was commissioning a lifestyle.

He washed dirty feet—first-century feet were dusty, calloused, and covered with road grime and animal waste. This was a foul, humbling, and unglamorous task. In those days, it was a dirt road, with no concrete highways, and both people and animals shared the pathway. People commonly walked barefoot, a practice still seen today in places like Fiji, where some go to the mall or church without shoes. Often, we hesitate to approach or shake hands with them, perhaps thinking it’s inappropriate. However, we should follow Jesus’s example and show love to everyone, including those with dirty or bare feet.

The Lord Jesus Christ served voluntarily, even when not required, in places where He wasn’t obligated, and for people unworthy of His kindness—including Judas, who was just hours from betraying Him.

If the Lord of Glory could wash feet, isn’t it possible for me to wash dishes, answer emails, visit the sick, or offer help without waiting to be asked?

Never dismiss a task as “beneath” your dignity, education, age, or social status. God uses people willing to do the unglamorous, unseen, and underappreciated work of the church and community. Whether you’re picking up trash, helping in the nursery, assisting with a move, or quietly managing administrative tasks as others pass by, you are embodying the very footsteps of Jesus Christ.

Seeing the example is one thing. But the question is, do we have the heart for it?

III. THE POSTURE OF SERVICE: THE HEART WE NEED

Romans 12:16 – “be of the same mind one toward another… condescend to men of low estate.”

Illustration:

Reflect on how you treat those who cannot offer you anything in return.

1. The Selective Mindset involves being courteous, helpful, and generous specifically toward church leaders or influential bosses who can help advance our careers or grant us favor.
2. The Christlike Mindset: A humble service attitude is evident when a believer intentionally spends time with someone in need—whether sitting with an isolated senior citizen, encouraging an awkward teenager, visiting a sick church member in the hospital, or helping an elderly neighbour with yard work. Such acts are done selflessly, without anticipating recognition, rewards, or sharing on social media.

Like the bamboo tree that gives shade to anyone who walks beneath it, true servanthood pours out grace without favouritism or ulterior motives

The central question is: Am I willing to serve people as Jesus did?

A. The PRIDE Removed

I don’t seek credit because Jesus made Himself “of no reputation.” If God receives glory, that’s sufficient. Genuine humility isn’t driven by the exhausting craving for applause, appreciation, or validation.

While in Fiji, driving on dirt roads to pick up members from the mountains was challenging. I never thought someone else should do it just because I am a preacher. I am not willing to drive a 40-year-old, uncomfortable manual van. However, I am reminded of how Jesus served His disciples during His ministry. That inspires me deeply and is my greatest motivation in my ministry.

I don’t require the position. I am willing to serve both on stage and behind the scenes. Whether I am seen and applauded or unnoticed by everyone except the Father, I will serve with the same faithfulness.

B. The PEOPLE Regarded

I’ll serve those considered of “low estate,” not only leaders, friends, or the influential and resourceful who can repay me.

I will serve with grace. James 4:6 states, “God giveth grace unto the humble.” When I let go of self-importance, God supplies the supernatural strength, patience, and maturity needed to continue serving challenging people.

Driving through the villages at night reveals complete darkness, as there are no lamp posts on every street corner. Yet, these people are truly precious—more so than prominent politicians. They have hearts eager to hear and worship the Lord, regardless of how difficult their circumstances are. This compels us to extend our help to them, following the example set by Lord Jesus Christ, who teaches us to serve others with humility.

That’s the kind of Christian God wants to grow in us. Tall in spiritual stature through Christ, but low enough in heart to reach down and serve anyone in need.

This week, take time to examine your motives. Are you willing to serve only when your close friends are involved, when it fits your schedule, or when leadership publicly acknowledges your efforts? God invites us to give our time, talents, unique abilities, and energy freely, without expecting a “thank you” or applause. Surrender whatever capacity you have—whether it feels like five talents or just five minutes—to the Master’s care, and see how He transforms small, unnoticed acts of obedience into lasting Kingdom impact.

Conclusion:

So, let me ask you honestly: How spiritually tall are you? Are you tall enough in Christ to stand firm for the gospel, but humble enough for God to use you?

Are you flexible enough to bend down and serve, or has spiritual pride made you too stiff to hold a towel?

Church, we must stop being passive spectators sitting easily in the pews while only a few bear the load. God didn’t save you to stay on the sidelines; He saved you to serve! Every gift, dollar, moment of strength, talent, and breath is a sacred trust from God. Holding back your time, making excuses about your abilities, or waiting for a title before acting misses the essence of Jesus’ message.

True greatness in the Kingdom of God isn’t achieved by sitting on a self-made throne. Instead, it is discovered when you humble yourself at a basin, on your knees, with a towel. If Jesus—the King of glory and Creator of the universe—did not see it as below Him to wash dirty feet, then no task should be considered beneath you.

Today, I am calling AGBC to full commitment: No more half-hearted service. God desires your complete commitment—authentic, unwavering, and without shame.

Find your “basin and towel” moment and step into it fully.

A. Declare your willingness: Approach a ministry leader today and say, “I am ready. Assign me to the area where I am needed most.”

B. Serve others without expecting a receipt: Find someone nearby—whether in your neighbourhood, workplace, or church—who can’t do anything for you in return, and help meet their practical needs.

C. Perform a quiet act of service for God’s glory this week—something that no one will praise, notice, or applaud.

When we stop PRIORITIZING our comfort and start POURING out our lives freely, God’s power manifests in unprecedented ways through this church. Move from the sidelines to the action—that’s where Jesus is at work and where you’ll find genuine, lasting greatness.