Introduction:
1. On this occasion that we read about
in Matthew
20:20-28, the apostles showed
that they had some
mistaken ideas about how to be great in God's kingdom.
2. This was not the first or the last time that they demonstrated
this problem.
a. They demonstrated it earlier in Matthew
18:1-4.
b. They demonstrated it again later in Luke
22:24.
3. Although this was a difficult situation, the Lord took advantage
of it and taught the apostles an important
lesson.
4. This
brings us to theme of our lesson: "Jesus taught His followers to
be servants."
Discussion:
I.
(vs.20-21) JAMES AND JOHN MADE A
REQUEST OF JESUS
A. Their request was that they be given what they considered the 2
most prominent positions in the Lord's
kingdom.
B. From
Matthew's account it seems that this request came from their
mother.
1. However, in His response Jesus spoke to James and John -- not to
their mother.
2. (Mark
10:35-37) This request
actually came from James and John.
3. Perhaps James and John thought that Jesus would more likely grant
their request if it appeared that
their mother was making it.
II.
(vs.22-23) JESUS RESPONDED TO THEIR
REQUEST
A. (vs.22) Jesus first asked them if they were able to suffer as He
was about to suffer, and they said they
were able.
B.
(vs.23) Jesus let them know that they would suffer, but He also let
them know that these 2 prominent
positions were not His to give.
III.
(vs.24) THE OTHER APOSTLES BECAME INDIGNANT
TOWARD JAMES AND JOHN
A. (Mark
10:41) They "became
much displeased with James and John."
B. The situation:
1. Two apostles wanted what they thought were the greatest positions
in the Lord's kingdom.
2. The other apostles became angry with James and John.
3. Jesus used this situation as an opportunity to teach all the
apostles how to be great in His kingdom.
IV.
(vs.25-28) THE LORD'S RESPONSE TO THE
SITUATION THAT HAD DEVELOPED
A. (vs.25) Jesus referred to the Gentile [Roman] government with its
different levels of authority.
B. (vs.26a) Jesus said that His followers are not to act like the
rulers of the Gentiles.
1. The desire for preeminence is strongly condemned in the Bible (3
John 9-10).
2. (1
Peter 5:3) Even the men
appointed to be overseers are forbidden to be "lords" over
the church.
C.
(vs.26b-27) The way to become great in the Lord's kingdom is by being
a minister and a servant
(see Matthew
23:11-12).
D. In other words, we are to be like Christ
(vs.28).
Conclusion:
1. The way to enter the Lord's kingdom is by being born again (John
3:3, 5).
2. After entering the Lord's kingdom, the way to become great is
through serving others.
3. An important admonition is given in Galatians
5:13.
4. Service to others will be important at the judgment (Matthew
25:40, 45).