Greatness In Heaven
“The Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.†Why should it be different for his followers?
Matthew 20:17-28
Jesus forewarns his disciples of His ordeal in Jerusalem (v. 17-19)
- betrayal
- chief priests and scribes
- death sentence from Sanhedrin
- handed over to the Romans
- mocking, scourging, crucifixion
- resurrection on the third day
A mother’s loving but misguided request for her sons (v. 20-24)
- the mother of James and John
- desiring positions of honor for them in the kingdom
- Are you able ? We are able? (v. 22). Yes they will suffer persecution, too.
- Those positions are not political favors that can be bought or bartered. Instead, they are pre-assigned seats for those whom God the Father has chosen.
The paradox of greatness (v. 24-28)
- The other disciples were angry with James and John for the request. After all, weren’t the twelve equals?
- Jesus condemns the jealousy, and likens it to the power struggles of the unsaved (v. 25).
- This must never be among his followers (v. 26).
- To achieve greatness, one must serve others (v. 27).
- The example of Jesus is paramount: he came to serve others by giving his life as a ransom for many.
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