Our Walk With Me Focal Scripture for today is Matthew 20:21-28
Beloved, travel back with me for a moment to one of the many scenes that demonstrated just how ordinary Jesus’s disciples were. Now, what makes this account interesting is the presence of a mother of two of the disciples. She’s Mrs. Zebedee, wife of a Galilean fisherman and mother of James and John. Let’s reflect on her request to Jesus:
Matthew 20:21 She said to Him, “Command that in Your kingdom these two sons of mine may sit one on Your right and one on Your left.”
Now, I don’t want you all to be too tough on this dear Jewish mother. She’s proud of her sons!!! Her motive was probably pure, and her idea was in proper perspective. She didn’t ask that her sons occupy the center throne, of course not, because that belongs to Jesus. But she pushed for James and John as candidates for thrones number two and number three. She wanted people to think highly of her boys who had left their nets and entered this up-and-coming ministry. Let’s remember, they were among “the Twelve.”
And that needed recognition!!!
Now, just in case you’re wondering how the other ten felt about this, check out verse 24. It says, “The ten became indignant.” Guess why. Hey, no way were they going to give up those top spots without a fight!!! They got downright ticked off that maybe James and John might get the glory they wanted. Doesn’t that Sound familiar?
Beloved, Jesus pulled His disciples aside and spelled out the sharp contrast between His philosophy and the world system in which they lived. I want you all to read His words slowly and carefully.
Matthew 20:26–28 says: “It is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
In the nonspiritual (worldly) system there are distinct levels of authority. In the military there are officers and enlisted men and ranks within each. In sports there are coaches and players. In the business world there are corporation heads and lines of authority between managers, personnel, foremen, and laborers. The person in the labor force is expected to punch a clock, show up on time, work hard, and not take advantage of his or her employer. There’s a name for those who choose not to follow those directions. Unemployed!!! Why? Because the boss is in charge.
Beloved, that’s the way the system works. As Jesus put it in Matthew 20:25–26, “Their great men exercise authority over them.” But then He added, “It is not this way among you”. What isn’t this way? Simply this, in God’s family there’s to be one great body of people: servants.
Beloved, humility is the best away to advance in the King of God.
In fact Beloved, that’s the only way to the top in His kingdom.
To God Be the Glory
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