Becoming Great: A Call to Service
Matthew
20:20-28
(Mark
10:35-45)
Sometimes
an experience is worth the effort. Climbing higher can be very rewarding.
Social climbing can be a negative experience. God has a way for us to become
great.
Matthew 20:20-28- Two brothers want a position with Jesus' kingdom. The request
is made with faith and honor to Jesus.
The Failure of Human Agendas
-
Proverbs 19:21 -
God's will prevails. In the story, Jesus says you don't know what you asked
for. God's spiritual plans will last longer than any physical kingdom.
-
Jeremiah 10:23-24
-Will we seek God's plans? Will we seek ask God o correct our plans. Study
God's word.
Joining in
Jesus Suffering
-
Psalm 11:5-6- God
will move against violence and wicked. The wicked drink God's punishment.
Jesus took this cup of suffering for our wickedness. Jesus in his story
asks if these brothers are ready to drink a cup of suffering.
-
Romans 8:16-17- As we
drink the communion cup we are committing to join in Christ's suffering.
-
2 Tim. 3:12- All are
going to suffer for righteousness. The brothers in the story said they were
ready for the cup.
-
Acts 12:1-2 -James
was put to death with a sword. He wad put to death on account if God. The
clear call of God is to do what it takes to follow and serve God.
Jesus
Honest Humility
-
Matt. 24:36 (Mark
13:32, Acts 1:7) -Jesus was clear that the positions in his kingdom were not
his to give. Jesus gave up things that he knew in heaven when he came to
earth. If Jesus was humble how can we be any other way?
-
Hebrews 2:6-17 -
Jesus was humbled and then exalted. Jesus is merciful and our high priest.
Jesus is our example of humility, love, and service.
Jesus' Call
to Service
Human's
exercise of power can be brutal and violent. Jesus said in the story that he
came to serve and give his life for many. Jesus has a crown of thorns and a
heart of service.
-
Vs. 26 -wishing to
become great
-
Vs. 27 -wishing to be
first
-
Jesus wants us to be
great servants and first to serve
-
Romans 12:10 -Give
preference to others and serve in love and respect.
—Robert Lee, 1-13-08,
a.m.