The Great Ones are Servants
November 23 | Discipleship Guide
Be Real Together:
Take a few minutes to catch up, tell stories, and laugh together. Trust and friendship take time to build. If you’re launching a new DG, one person should tell their story — what do we need to know about you? Next week, have another person in your DG share their story.
Read Together: Matthew 20:17-28 CSB
As Jesus travels toward Jerusalem for the final time, He predicts His suffering and death—but the disciples are still dreaming about status, thrones, and positions of honor. In contrast, Jesus reveals the true path to greatness in His Kingdom: sacrifice, humility, and service. He calls His followers to reject the world’s obsession with power and instead imitate His own example—the Son of Man who came not to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many.
The One Question:
Ask this question at your family meal or Discipleship Group.
How is God reshaping your idea of greatness?
Grow Together:
Use these questions to go deeper with your DG or for personal study.
- Jesus tells His disciples three times that He is going to suffer (vv.17–19). Why is it important for us to remember that the path to our salvation involved suffering—and what does that mean for our own discipleship?
- James and John (and their mom!) wanted positions of honor. Where do you see comparison, competition, or entitlement creeping into your spiritual life?
- Jesus says, “Are you able to drink the cup I am about to drink?” In what areas is following Jesus requiring a “death to self” in this season?
- Jesus contrasts worldly leadership (“lording over”) with Kingdom leadership (“servant” and “slave”). How does that challenge the way you typically view influence, authority, or success?
- Jesus didn’t just teach servanthood—He embodied it by giving His life as a ransom. Where is He calling you to imitate His serving posture in practical, specific ways?
Pray Together:
- Thank Jesus for giving His life as a ransom for many.
- Confess the places where pride, comparison, or self-promotion have taken root.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to shape a heart of humility and servanthood in each person.
- Pray for the courage to follow Jesus’ example in your homes, church, and community.
Next Steps:
Choose one act of servanthood you can practice this week:
- Identify someone in your life who needs encouragement or practical help—and serve them quietly.
- Ask God to show you one area in your church where you can consistently contribute.
- Practice a simple, unseen act of humility each day.
- Release a place of competition or comparison and pray blessing over someone else’s success.