Formed in Community & Formed in Service: Serving from Identity

In this lecture, Sam from St. Moe's addresses the importance of serving within the context of a Christian community as part of a five-part summer series focused on the habit of community. He emphasizes that service is deeply rooted in one's identity in Christ and highlights the model of Jesus as the ultimate shepherd who serves, seeks, heals, and restores. This session serves as a continuation of previous discussions on service, emphasizing the deliberate formation of behavior and character through acts of service among believers.

The anchor text for this discussion is Mark 10:35-45, which features an exchange between James, John, and Jesus. Sam provides a reading of the scripture and opens with a prayer that seeks understanding and purpose for those gathered. He notes the emotional context in which the apostles approach Jesus—their request for positions of glory, and the subsequent discontent from the other disciples, revealing an underlying tension and competitive spirit within the group. Sam draws attention to how Jesus navigates this moment, demonstrating that scripture does not condemn emotions but rather invites engagement and dialogue about them.

Sam highlights three key points in his teachings. Firstly, he observes the awkwardness in the request made by James and John, pointing out human emotions like jealousy and indignation displayed by the other disciples. This moment illustrates that Jesus does not shy away from difficult conversations but engages with His followers’ emotions in a constructive manner. Secondly, Sam emphasizes that rather than dismissing their desire for greatness, Jesus redefines it. He encourages ambition by stating that true greatness in His kingdom comes through serving others, which challenges conventional definitions of success and achievement.

Lastly, Sam discusses how Jesus transforms the concept of greatness by illustrating that serving others is the pathway to true honor and significance. Drawing parallels to modern ideas of greatness in professions and societal status, he argues that Jesus’ teaching elevates serving as the ultimate aspiration. Sam references a sermon by Martin Luther King Jr. that echoes this sentiment, asserting that anyone can achieve greatness through service, irrespective of formal education or social standing.

The lecture culminates with an appeal for attendees to recognize serving as a core aspect of their spiritual identity. Sam encourages the church community to seize opportunities to serve one another, reinforcing that true motivation for service stems from the example set by Jesus, who served first. He closes by invoking the image of Jesus washing the disciples' feet, reminding listeners that service is an expression of Christ's love and a source of healing. The call to action is clear: service is not merely an obligation, but a profound gift that enriches both the server and those being served, embodying the essence of the Christian faith.