The Movie Clip – A Few Good Men (1992)
A Few Good Men featured Demi Moore, Jack Nicholson, and Tom Cruise in a legal drama involving the death of a marine. In the attached scene (0:36-0:59), Demi Moore’s character (JoAnne Galloway) tries to impress Tom Cruise’s character (Daniel Kaffee) by mentioning commendations and successes she has had in previous posts. After her brief bragging, Cruise (Kaffee) asks a simple question: “why are you always reading me your resume?”
This scene reminds us of the human desire to impress the people around us. We hang plaques on our wall, post on social media, and mention our accomplishments in nearly every conversation. We want the world to know just how great we really are. This is an issue of pride.
The Bible Connection – The Disciples Argue
We aren’t the first people to struggle with the issue of pride. On at least three different occasions, the disciples argue about who is the greatest. They want to sit on either side of Jesus when He comes into His kingdom. They want power, prestige, and recognition.
This stands in stark contrast to what Jesus taught. Jesus taught humility, service, and asked that we consider other people before ourselves. The vast difference between these two worldviews is highlighted at the last supper. In John 13:1-17, Jesus chooses to act as a servant and wash the feet of his disciples. Meanwhile, according to Luke 22:19-24, the disciples continued arguing about their own greatness even the midst of this special meal.
Being a follower of Jesus means choosing the way he modeled, not the way his disciples lived. We must learn to choose humility over pride and service over greatness. In fact, Jesus repeatedly says the path to greatness in His kingdom is through serving other people.
Scriptures to Use – Humble Service
This is the story of Jesus humbly washing the feet of his disciples.
This is the account of the disciples arguing about their own greatness at the last supper.
This passage talks about Jesus’ own humility, and calls us to have the same attitude as Christ.
In this text, Jesus challenges us no to be like Jewish leaders who use outward symbols to show their greatness. Instead, we are to humble ourselves. Humility is the path to greatness in God’s kingdom.
