Sermon Framework | What Kind of Greatness Are You Pursuing?
- Herbert Berkley
- Jul 25
- 4 min read
Title: What Kind of Greatness Are You Pursuing?
Theme: True greatness in the Kingdom is discovered not by assertion but through servanthood
Text: John 13:12–17; Matthew 20:26–28 (ESV)
Structure: Framework 2 + Style 7 (Inductive vs. Deductive)
1. Introduction – Two Paths to Greatness
There are two ways to pursue greatness in this world:
One declares itself: “Here’s who I am. Follow me.”
The other discovers it: “Here’s a towel. Let me serve you.”
One is deductive—it starts with position, platform, clarity, and commands. The other is inductive—it begins with mystery, questions, humility, and relationship.
Jesus used both in His ministry—but when it came to defining true greatness, He led inductively. Quietly. From His knees.
2. Common Ground – Everyone Wants Their Life to Matter
We all want influence. We all want our life to count.
And we’re told:
Be assertive
Build your brand
Make your voice heard
Lead boldly and be followed
But let’s pause and ask:
Is that what Jesus modeled? Is that what His greatness looked like?
Let’s walk into the tension.
3. The Inductive Path – The Servant’s Posture
Inductive preaching invites exploration. So let’s explore what Jesus actually did—before He taught what it meant.
John 13:12–15 (ESV)
“When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, ‘Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord… and you are right…If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.’”
Jesus begins with mystery.
He doesn't announce His greatness—He demonstrates it through an act of humble service.
He doesn’t declare, “I am your Leader! ”He kneels down, grabs a towel, and cleans the very feet of those who would abandon Him.
He lets them feel greatness before He defines it.
This is the inductive rhythm of the Kingdom: from mystery to meaning, from posture to power.
4. The Deductive Model – The Kingdom Declaration
Now Jesus also uses deduction, but to dismantle worldly paradigms.
Matthew 20:25–28 (ESV)
“You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
This is straight declaration.
Jesus defines what is, what must not be, and what will be.
He declares the Kingdom value:
True greatness = lowliness + love + loss.
5. Contrast Chart – What Type of Greatness Are You Living?
The Way of the World (Deductive, Self-Driven) | The Way of Christ (Inductive, Spirit-Led) |
Starts with a resume | Starts with a towel |
Says “Here’s what I know” | Asks “Do you understand what I’ve done?” |
Measures success by followers | Measures success by faithfulness |
Needs applause | Embraces anonymity |
Controls through influence | Leads by sacrifice |
So which path are you walking? One declares greatness. The other becomes it.
6. Illustration – The Anonymous Mentor
When I think of the people who shaped my life, it wasn’t the loudest voice or the most polished speaker.
It was the one who:
Met me in crisis
Walked with me through failure
Served when they had nothing to gain
They were great—not because they said, “Look at me,” but because they lived, “Let me help you become who Christ has called you to be.”
That’s Jesus-shaped influence.
7. Application – How to Walk the Servant’s Path
Here’s what this looks like in your life this week:
Ask, “Whose feet am I washing?”
Choose to forgive someone who won’t thank you
Pray for someone without posting about it
Do one act of service in secret this week
Say “no” to platform and “yes” to presence
Because God isn’t looking for your title—He’s forming your towel.
8. Grace Echo – Seen by Heaven
Maybe you feel like your life of service goes unnoticed.
But Heaven sees.
“Your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” (Matthew 6:4, ESV)
You don’t need a platform to be powerful. You don’t need a spotlight to be seen by God.
You are already seen. Already invited. Already being shaped by the hands of the One who stooped before He ascended.
9. Missional Close – What If Our Church Modeled This?
What if the Church stopped announcing greatness…
…and started becoming servants?
What if every ministry team asked:
“Who can we kneel before today?”
What if our culture shifted from “leader development” to servant discipleship?
Then the Church wouldn’t need to fight for relevance. We’d be walking in resurrection power.
10. Final Invitation – Walk the Path Jesus Walked
You want to be great?
Start with the basin. Not the banner. Choose the towel. Not the title. Serve in silence. Watch God shape nations.
Because the rhythm of transformation always begins—not in the mouth of a leader—but in the hands of a servant.
