September 22, 2024 | "Serving Others" | Asbury-St. James UMC, Charleston, SC

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In today's sermon at Asbury-St. James United Methodist Church, Pastor Tim Shaw took us through Mark 9:30-37, where Jesus teaches His disciples about humility and greatness. Pastor Tim made it clear that this message is as relevant today as it was then, especially in a culture obsessed with success and personal recognition.
In the passage, Jesus predicts His betrayal, death, and resurrection, which His disciples don’t fully understand. Later, Jesus overhears them arguing about who among them is the greatest. He takes this moment to redefine greatness. According to Jesus, true greatness comes from serving others, not from being first or seeking power. To illustrate His point, He uses the example of welcoming a child, equating it to welcoming God Himself.
Pastor Tim drew a powerful connection between this ancient lesson and our modern-day obsession with the GOAT-the Greatest of All Time. Whether we’re debating sports figures, musicians, or even comparing ourselves to others in everyday life, we constantly seek to define who’s “the best.” However, Jesus calls us to a radically different understanding of greatness. Instead of striving for recognition, He urges us to embrace humility and serve others, particularly those who are marginalized or overlooked.
In his message, Pastor Tim also referenced James, the brother of Jesus, who wrote about the dangers of jealousy and selfish ambition. These traits are often at the root of the conflicts we see today, whether in global disputes or personal relationships. Pastor Tim asked us to reflect on whether jealousy and selfishness are driving the issues in our own lives, and if so, how we can shift toward humility and service instead.
One of the most moving stories Pastor Tim shared was about a theological school searching for a new president. The search committee decided to interview janitors at the institutions where the candidates worked. One janitor’s praise of a candidate was so profound that it reminded everyone of Jesus’ teaching on true greatness-being humble and serving others without seeking recognition.
This story illustrates the point that Pastor Tim emphasized throughout his sermon: we need to relearn humility in today’s world. In a society that constantly pushes us to prove ourselves, to gain followers, or to climb the career ladder, Jesus’ call to humility can feel countercultural. Yet, it’s through serving others without seeking praise that we find true fulfillment and connection.
Pastor Tim closed with a challenge: How can we shift from the world’s model, which measures success by wealth and status, to Christ’s model, which values service and sacrifice? It’s not easy, especially in a world that prizes achievement. But by following Jesus’ example, we can live lives that are not only fulfilling but transformative for those around us.
The takeaway from today’s message is clear: greatness isn’t about being first, most admired, or most successful. True greatness is about humility, serving others, and using our gifts to uplift those around us. Pastor Tim reminded us that there’s only one real GOAT-Jesus Christ. He is the ultimate example of greatness through humility and love, and if we follow His lead, we can experience a kind of greatness that transcends worldly success.
Invitation
If you’ve ever felt burdened by the pressure to prove yourself or constantly compare yourself to others, Pastor Tim’s message offers a refreshing alternative. Instead of striving for personal glory, we’re invited to focus on what really matters: serving others and living a life of humility. This message isn’t just for churchgoers; it’s for anyone who’s seeking a more meaningful, grounded way to live.
We invite you to explore this path with us at Asbury-St. James United Methodist Church. It’s not about tradition or rituals-it’s about community, growth, and finding your own spiritual journey in today’s fast-paced world.