The Son Of Man Did Not Come To Be Served, But To Serve And Give His Life As A Ransom For Many
There Is No Place For Selfish Ambitions Nor Rebellion In God's Kingdom
MATHEW 20:24-28
“And when the ten heard it, they were greatly displeased with the two brothers. But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him 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.””
Matthew 20:24-28 NKJV
https://www.bible.com/114/mat.20.24-28.nkjv
James and John's mother asked Jesus to give her two son's special positions in His Kingdom.
It's natural for parents to want to see their children promoted and honoured, but this desire is dangerous if it causes them to stand in the way of God's specific will for them.
God may have different work for them; maybe not as glamorous, but every work is equally important.
Thus, parents desires for their children are often far from God's will for them, and these desires for their children's advancement must be held in check as they pray that God's will be done in their lives.
The same goes for us individually, we are called to serve according to God’s plans and purposes, not necessarily how we choose to serve, nor in the our preferred church but where and how God chooses us to serve.
The decision is His alone, and has gifted His people accordingly to serve where, when, and how He chooses.
There is no place for rebellion, nor selfish ambitions in Gods kingdom.
He who places himself above others will become slaves, and those who humbly take low positions shall be become leaders.
Jesus, is our example to follow; though He is the King of kings, and Lord of lords (REVELATION 17:14), He came not to exhort Himself among the nations, but quite the opposite, and presented Himself a slave who came to pay the debt of the world with His own blood.
Therefore, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
Philippians 2:5-11 NKJV
James, John, and their mother failed to grasp Jesus' previous teachings on rewards (19:16-30) and eternal life (20:1-16).
They didn't understand the suffering they must face before living in the glory of God's Kingdom.
The "cup" was the suffering and crucifixion that Christ Jesus faced.
Both James and John would also face great suffering. James would be put to death for his faith and John would be exiled.
In verse 23, Jesus was showing that He was under the authority of the Father, for: Though He was and is fully God, He did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead He gave up His divine privileges as God and took the humble position of a slave (PHILIPPIANS 2:6-7).
The Father alone made decisions about leadership in heaven. Rewards are not granted as favours. They are for those who have maintained their commitment to Jesus in spite of many trials and come with purpose.
God put us in our place within the body according to His will, not ours, and that is not negotiable.
The other disciples were upset with James and John for trying to grab top positions.
All the disciples wanted to be the greatest (18:1), but Jesus taught them that the greatest person in God's Kingdom is the servant of all.
Authority is given not for self importance, ambition, or respect, but for useful service to God.
Jesus described leadership from a new perspective. Instead of a leader using people, they are to serve them.
Jesus came to serve, He made it His mission to serve others and give up His life on a cross to pay their debt of sin. A true leader has a servant's heart.
A servant leader appreciates others worth and realises they themselves are not above any job.
When you see something that needs doing, take initiative to do it like a faithful servant.
A "ransom" was the price paid to release a slave from bondage. Jesus often told His disciples that He must die, but here He explained why; to redeem all people from the bondage or consequence of sin.
The disciples thought that as along as Jesus was alive, He could save them, but Jesus revealed that only His death would pay debt of sin, and His resurrection paved the way to life everlasting.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.””
John 3:16-21 NKJV
My beloved, Jesus died a painful death on a cross to justify our new lives in Christ.
But to receive our new lives, we must die of our old sinful selves to be able to be born again into resurrection life.
Jesus said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.””
John 3:3 NKJV
Jesus made a way for we the people to start again, having our record of sin washed away by His blood by painfully and humiliatingly dying on a cross.
All you need do is believe, for “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.”
Mark 16:16 NKJV
Since He died for you, are you ready to live for Him? Is that not the least you do.?
My brethren, “The fear of man brings a snare, But whoever trusts in the LORD shall be safe. Many seek the ruler’s favor, But justice for man comes from the LORD.”
Proverbs 29:25-26 NKJV
All glory to God forever and ever! Amen.
