Opening: Do you like to be first? First in line at the Beast? First to get a new
iPhone5? First in line at a church potluck?
Scripture: Sunday’s message is our text today. Read Matthew 20:20-28.
Insights:
- In Mark’s account of this story (Mark 10:35-45), there is no mention of James and John’s mother. But here is Matthew’s Gospel (written by one of the disciples who was there, witnessed the encounter, and was pretty mad about it), mom brings the request. Of course, James and John are close behind (see verse 22b).
- Jesus had said that to be a part of his Kingdom would mean suffering with him (“drink from the bitter cup”). James and John did indeed suffer. We’ve already read that Herod executed James, the only apostle whose martyrdom is recorded in the New Testament (see Acts 12:1-2). The Church historian Eusebius, records that James was beheaded. Later, John was exiled to Patmos (see Revelation 1:9).
- Jesus said that he came “to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”[1] A “ransom” was the price paid to release a slave from bondage. Jesus often told his disciples that he must die, but here he told them why – to redeem all people from the bondage of sin and death. The disciples thought that as long as Jesus was alive, he could save them. But Jesus revealed that only his death would save them and the world.[2]
Life
Questions:
- Our society seeks to be the best, to be #1, and we elevate these people to incredibly high pedestals. And some will do whatever it takes to be the center of attention. “Hey, look at me.” But Jesus tells us to be different. Servanthood is the goal. What are you doing to serve?
Prayer
Focus: For tomorrow’s worship celebration, that we would understand
Jesus’ call to serve.
Message
Series: “Send Me.”
Tomorrow’s
Message Title: “To Serve”
