The Servant and The True Greatness | Mark 9:30-50
Sermon Summary
Church family, let’s pick up right where we left off last week in the Gospel of Mark. Today we’re in Mark 9:30–50, and this passage brings us to a significant turning point. Jesus begins shifting His ministry from the large crowds to a more focused, intimate instruction for His disciples—preparing them (and us) for what it really means to be His followers.
In these verses, Jesus predicts His impending death and resurrection for the second time within two chapters. But the disciples don’t understand, and they’re so alarmed by His words that they’re afraid to ask questions. It’s as though the magnitude of discipleship, the weight of death and resurrection, is suddenly pressing on them. Rather than seeking clarity, they hold back.
But while Jesus is speaking of sacrificial suffering, His followers are busy debating greatness. He catches them arguing over who among them is the greatest. That sets the stage for Jesus to redefine “greatness.” In our culture—and even in our own hearts—we naturally measure greatness by success, influence, or recognition. Yet, Jesus flips that all around. He invites us to see that greatness in God’s Kingdom is entirely different from the world’s approach.
We’ll walk through three essential marks of what Jesus calls “true greatness.”
True Greatness Embraces Servanthood
Right after the disciples have been caught jockeying for position (Mark 9:34), Jesus sits them down like a patient teacher and says, “If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all” (v. 35). It’s a radical statement. He’s not merely saying, “You need to act humbly once in a while.” He’s saying, “Choose the last place. Choose servanthood as your lifestyle.”
In our world, greatness often hinges on self-promotion. We climb ladders, gather trophies, and applaud the powerful. But Jesus reveals a new blueprint: humility and service. Think about how He illustrates this. He brings a child into the circle, someone in that first-century culture who held virtually no rights or social standing. Children were loved by their families, yes, but in broader society, they weren’t considered people of consequence. By placing a child in the midst of the disciples, wrapping that child in His arms, Jesus shows them a living image of “least of these.” And He goes on to say, “Whoever receives one of these little ones in My name, receives Me; and whoever receives Me, receives the One who sent Me” (cf. vv. 36–37).
This is a direct assault on our pride. It says if you want the measure of true greatness, don’t look for status, accolades, or the applause of the crowd—look for those society deems insignificant. Look for those who can’t repay you with prestige or position. And then serve them sacrificially. That, Jesus says, is greatness in the Kingdom.
So the next question: Are we willing to serve if nobody notices? If there’s no applause, no visible return on our investment? Often, we’re glad to serve if there’s something in it for us—a compliment, some recognition, or a network connection. But Jesus is crystal clear: true servanthood means doing for others when there’s no payback. Whether it’s in our local church, out in the community, or at home, greatness begins with a heart posture that says, “I’m willing to be last of all, for Jesus’ sake.”
If you want to see whether you truly believe this, reflect on your approach to church. Do you come looking to be fed, to get something out of the service, to have your preferences met? Or do you arrive each week praying, “Lord, whom can I serve? How can I encourage someone, even if it never gets noticed?” True greatness in God’s Kingdom is found by humbly, joyfully laying yourself down for others.
True Greatness Aligns with Christ
After Jesus speaks about receiving the least, John pipes up with something that’s been bothering him. He says, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, and we told him to stop because he doesn’t follow us” (cf. v. 38). In other words, “He’s not part of our group, so we shut him down.”
This is where Jesus offers a second crucial lesson on greatness. He responds, “Do not forbid him . . . He who is not against us is on our side” (cf. vv. 39–40). John had assumed that if someone wasn’t in their immediate circle, they must be an intruder or competitor. But Jesus points out a bigger reality: “Look, this man is serving in My name. We’re on the same team.”
There’s a temptation within the church to define our enemies by denominational differences, minor theological disagreements, or personality clashes. Sometimes, out of misplaced zeal, we spend more energy criticizing fellow believers than confronting the real enemy, Satan and the power of sin.
Jesus isn’t saying we ignore serious doctrinal error or forsake the truth of Scripture. There are times we must stand firm and separate from teachings that distort the gospel. But He warns us not to turn legitimate co-laborers into the enemy. Anyone serving in the name of Christ—whether they’re well-known or anonymous—is ultimately on the same side.
We live in a city with countless people who don’t know Jesus. The harvest field is huge. If others are faithfully proclaiming the gospel, let’s rejoice! Let’s be glad that more seeds of truth are scattered across the city and the world. Our measure of greatness is not “Who’s in my little camp?” but “Am I aligning my life with Christ’s mission?” If we’re anchored in the truth, fueled by His love, and busy proclaiming His name, then let’s welcome all who do the same. God’s kingdom is gloriously bigger than our personal sphere.
When we’re tempted to compare ourselves to others—maybe to spotlight their shortcomings or highlight our own strengths—remember this: Jesus says greatness involves unity of mission, loyalty to Him, and a spirit that’s slow to condemn fellow believers. Our sense of self-worth shouldn’t depend on undermining someone else’s ministry. May we be a church—and a people—known more for our passion for Jesus than for petty rivalries.
True Greatness Pursues Holiness
Finally, Jesus explains that true greatness also involves a radical pursuit of holiness. In Mark 9:42–50, we encounter some of His most challenging words about sin. He talks about cutting off a hand or a foot, or plucking out an eye, if it causes you to sin. He underscores the seriousness of sin by describing hell as a real, eternal place—a place of fire and decay, symbolized by “Gehenna,” the disgusting garbage dump outside Jerusalem.
Of course, Jesus isn’t literally promoting bodily mutilation. Our hands, feet, and eyes aren’t the root cause of sin. Our hearts are. Yet this graphic language conveys the gravity of sin. He wants us to see that it’s better to lose what feels essential than to be dragged into hell by unrepentant patterns of rebellion. Radical measures are called for when it comes to holiness.
Let’s break down what Jesus says about pursuing holiness in two ways:
Consider the Way Sin Impacts Others
In verse 42, He says, “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were cast into the sea.” That’s an intense picture—drowning beneath a massive stone—yet it’s how serious God is about protecting tender or younger believers.
As part of God’s family, we never sin in a vacuum. Our actions, words, and attitudes influence others. Maybe it’s a careless comment that sows seeds of doubt. Maybe it’s an unrepentant sin pattern that normalizes disobedience in the eyes of a weaker Christian. Perhaps it’s outright temptation we place in someone’s path. Jesus says that if we’re engaging in behavior that leads a younger believer astray, we’d be better off at the bottom of the ocean. That should wake us up!
This doesn’t mean we walk around paranoid about every word. It means we realize the magnitude of belonging to the family of God. We’re tied together, and holiness matters, not just for ourselves but for the health of those around us. Parents, especially, should heed this. Whether you have literal children at home or spiritual children under your influence, never underestimate your impact. Does your life model Christ-likeness? Do your choices and priorities point others toward the abundant life in Jesus, or do they subtly nudge them away?
Consider the Way Sin Impacts Ourselves
But sin doesn’t only harm others; it’s also destructive to our own souls. In verse after verse, Jesus draws a contrast: if a hand or foot or eye causes you to sin, it’s better to lose it than for your whole body to be cast into hell. Christ is underscoring how sin leads to death. There’s no neutral ground. Sin always promises pleasure or relief but ultimately erodes our fellowship with God.
If you’ve never confronted the reality of eternal separation from God, hear this clearly: Jesus describes hell as real and horrific. It’s not just an illustration; it’s a destiny where the fire isn’t quenched. Because of our sin, we all stand guilty. But God, in His mercy, sent Jesus to pay the penalty we deserve. On the cross, Jesus took on the punishment for our sins, paving a way for anyone who believes to be rescued from condemnation.
If you’re not sure where you stand with God—if you’ve never tasted the freedom of forgiveness—let me urge you to put your faith in Jesus today. Turn from sin, believe in Christ’s atoning work, and receive His righteousness. It’s the difference between eternal death and eternal life.
For those of us who already belong to Jesus, pursuing holiness remains a daily calling. We might not cut off a literal limb, but the principle stands: take radical steps to remove whatever hinders your obedience. If it’s an inappropriate relationship, end it. If it’s a secret sin, confess it and seek accountability. If your work or your ambition has morphed into a consuming idol, reorient your schedule and priorities. If you’re addicted to substances, media, or any pattern of sin, confront it ruthlessly. The momentary pain of “cutting it off” pales in comparison to the spiritual decay sin inevitably brings.
Sometimes, we respond like the rich young ruler in Mark 10, who walked away grieved because he had great possessions. Don’t walk away sad. Let the Holy Spirit do whatever spiritual surgery is needed. Although it might feel like part of you is being torn away, it’s so much better to lose the idol than lose your fellowship with Jesus. Cutting away sin is always worth it in the long run because you gain deeper intimacy with Christ and a clearer witness to the world.
Mark 9 ends with a discussion of salt. Jesus tells us to have salt in ourselves, referencing the Old Testament practice of salting sacrifices and the refining work of fire. Salt was prized for its preservative and flavorful properties. Believers, too, are called to be a preserving, impactful force in the world. But if salt becomes contaminated, it loses its effectiveness. If we allow sin to corrupt our testimony, our impact fades.
This is why holiness matters for the mission. A church unconcerned with holiness will never be truly great in God’s eyes. We might have flashy programs or cultural relevance, but if we lose our “saltiness,” the world remains untouched by the gospel. Only as we ruthlessly cut off sin, stand in unity with Christ’s mission, and serve humbly can we remain distinct and powerful vessels of God’s love.
Reflection
I want to invite us all to pause and examine our hearts. Are we embracing a life of servanthood, or are we subtly chasing self-promotion? Are we aligned with Christ’s mission, or do we slip into rivalry and criticism of other believers? And are we genuinely pursuing holiness, cutting off sin before it spreads further into our hearts and into our church?
Servanthood Check: Think about one practical way you can put yourself last this week. It might mean serving in a behind-the-scenes ministry, helping a friend in crisis, or simply offering a ride to someone who can’t repay you. Where can you be a servant of all, expecting nothing in return?
Mission Alignment: Ask yourself, “Am I excited about what God is doing beyond my immediate circle? Do I pray for other believers and churches, or do I feel threatened by them?” Realign your heart with Jesus’ bigger picture—the glorious expansion of His Kingdom.
Pursuit of Holiness: In prayer, lay your sin before the Lord. If you’re ensnared in a destructive habit, or if pride and self-reliance have crept in, bring it into the light. Confess and take decisive steps. That could mean seeking out a trusted friend or pastor for help, discarding unhelpful media, setting up wise boundaries, or finding accountability.
Do you remember Jesus’ words about the child in the middle of the group? We, too, are weak, dependent children in God’s Kingdom. Yet Jesus embraces us, welcomes us, and invites us into abundant life. Out of that embrace, we can extend the same grace to each other. Let’s not lose our saltiness. Let’s be men and women who shape our conversations, families, workplaces, and communities with gospel flavor.
As we hold fast to these truths, let’s be reminded that genuine greatness is found in humbly taking the servant’s role, eagerly linking arms with all who proclaim Jesus’ name, and living in passionate pursuit of holiness. May the Holy Spirit mark our church as those who are truly “great” in God’s eyes—not by worldly standards, but by Christ’s radical, upside-down Kingdom values.
