Di Antara Roti dan Ambisi - Harry Setyadi

Between Bread and Ambition

Harry Setyadi’s sermon reflects on Jesus and the disciples at the Last Supper, shortly before Jesus’ crucifixion. While Jesus was preparing to give his life, the disciples argued about which of them was greatest. The contrast exposes a recurring tension: people may appear close to spiritual life while still seeking recognition, status, and preferential treatment.

Main Ideas

• God’s correction is an expression of love. Like a loving parent correcting a child, God may use Scripture and everyday situations to reveal what is happening in a person’s heart. The appropriate response is gratitude, humility, and repentance rather than defensiveness.
• Spiritual activity does not automatically remove selfish ambition. The disciples had spent time with Jesus and witnessed his work, yet their desire for status remained. Religious involvement alone is not proof that the heart has changed.
• Hidden ambition can emerge in ordinary moments. It may show up as resentment when work goes unrecognized, quietly withdrawing when appreciation is lacking, expecting others to meet one’s preferences, or complaining when things are inconvenient.
• Jesus defines greatness through service. In Luke 22:24–27, Jesus contrasts worldly rulers, who exercise authority, with his followers, who are to become like the youngest and serve. Leadership remains, but its purpose is to build others up and bear burdens—not to enlarge one’s own name.
• Service is a response to Jesus’ love, not a way to earn worth. Matthew 20:28 says that the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many. Because Christ has already shown people their value, serving is not a way to earn God’s approval or prove personal importance.
• Servanthood is practiced in everyday relationships. It includes noticing practical needs, helping at home, listening attentively to a spouse or children, and contributing constructively at work or in business. These ordinary acts can make Christ’s character visible to others.

Practical Lessons and Actions

• When a situation stirs irritation or a desire for recognition, pause before reacting and ask what it may reveal about your heart.
• Receive correction as an opportunity to repent, rather than focusing only on defending yourself or blaming others.
• Examine your motives for serving: serve God and others, not to be noticed, praised, or treated as more important.
• Look for needs you can meet, even when the tasks are small or unacknowledged—such as tidying, preparing something, or helping without complaint.
• Consider other people’s interests, especially when exercising authority or leadership.
• Listen attentively to family members and others; set aside distractions and give them your presence.
• When you respond poorly, acknowledge it and apologize. The preacher illustrates this with a personal story about criticizing his wife over small travel preparations, then realizing she had already done most of the work and thanking her.
• Begin at home. A servant-hearted attitude in family life can help create harmony and make it easier to serve well in workplaces, businesses, and the wider community.

The sermon also opens with thanks to people supporting YAB Indonesia through RKB and SAB, emphasizing that their support offers hope and educational opportunities to those who might otherwise struggle to attend school.

Speakers and Sources Featured

• Harry Setyadi — preacher and narrator of the sermon.
• The Bible — especially Luke 22:24–27 and Matthew 20:28, which provide the sermon’s central teaching and example.