Summary

In this sermon, Kent explores what it truly means to be great in the kingdom of heaven. Using Matthew 18:1-4, he challenges the common human instinct to seek status, recognition, and power by pointing to Jesus, who called a child into the middle of a group of disciples to illustrate that greatness comes through humility and service, not through climbing to the top. Through the story of Christian artist Forrest Frank and the lesser-known woman named Morgan who obeyed a quiet call from God, Kent drives home the point that the most impactful acts of faithfulness are often the ones nobody sees. He calls the church (the "called out ones") to stop making life about themselves and instead embrace the servant posture that Jesus Himself modeled, because going up in God's kingdom always requires going down.

Intro Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank you for bringing us together today. As we open your Word and discuss what it means to be truly great in your kingdom, we ask that you soften our hearts and quiet our pride. Help each person in this group to set aside their own agenda and be open to whatever you want to speak into their life today. Give us ears to hear, eyes to see, and the courage to respond. In your name we pray, amen.

Ice Breaker

What is one chore or task you had to do as a kid that you absolutely did not enjoy, and why?

Key Verses

• Matthew 18:1-4
• Philippians 2

Questions

• Kent opened by saying that being someone's servant stinks, at least from a human perspective. Can you relate to that feeling? Share a time when you were asked to serve in a way that felt beneath you or uncomfortable.
• In Matthew 18:1-4, Jesus calls a child to stand in front of His disciples when they ask who is the greatest. Why do you think Jesus chose a child to answer that question instead of pointing to someone powerful or accomplished?
• Jesus says that unless we become like little children, we will not enter the kingdom of heaven. What specific qualities of a child do you think he is pointing to, and which of those qualities is hardest for you to embrace as an adult?
• Kent said that in Jesus's culture, children were considered second-class citizens who were expected to be seen and not heard. How does that cultural context change the way you understand what Jesus was saying in this passage?
• The sermon contrasted Forrest Frank, the visible artist on stage, with Morgan, the unknown woman who simply obeyed God in a quiet moment. Which role do you find yourself more naturally drawn to, and why?
• Kent said, 'Everybody wants to be Forrest. Nobody wants to be Morgan.' What do you think holds people back from embracing the Morgan role in their own life or community?
• Jesus Himself said He did not come to be served but to serve. How does knowing that the Son of God chose the posture of a servant change the way you think about your own daily opportunities to serve others?
• The sermon described the church as the 'called out ones,' people called out of self-centeredness and into a life of sacrifice for others. In what specific area of your life do you feel God is calling you to step down so that someone else can be lifted up?

Life Application

This week, identify one person in your life, whether at home, at work, or in your community, who needs to be served in a practical way. Do something for that person without telling anyone about it and without expecting anything in return. As you do it, pray and ask God to shape your heart to see service not as something that stinks, but as the greatest position you can take in His kingdom.

Key Takeaways

• True greatness in the kingdom of heaven is found in humility and service, not in status or recognition.
• Jesus used a child, someone considered lowly in His culture, to illustrate that going up in God's kingdom always requires going down.
• The most important acts of faithfulness are often the quiet, unseen ones, like Morgan obeying God's call to speak to a stranger named Forest.
• The church is called out of self-centeredness and into a life of sacrificial service to others, following the example of Jesus who came not to be served but to serve.
• The people and roles that seem small or invisible are often the ones that make the greatest eternal difference.

Ending Prayer

Father, thank you for this time together and for the reminder that your kingdom works in ways that are completely upside down from what the world tells us. Forgive us for the times we have chased recognition, comfort, and status instead of getting on our knees to serve. Give us the humility of a child and the courage of a Morgan. Help us to go into this week with open hands, ready to serve whoever you place in front of us, trusting that you see every quiet act of faithfulness. May our lives point others to Jesus, who gave everything so that we could have life. In his name we pray, amen.