Serving Others

Scripture:  Matthew 20:20-28 (Click link for scripture in Bible Gateway)

20 Then the mother of James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Jesus with her sons. She knelt respectfully to ask a favor. 21 “What is your request?” he asked. She replied, “In your Kingdom, please let my two sons sit in places of honor next to you, one on your right and the other on your left.” 22 But Jesus answered by saying to them, “You don’t know what you are asking! Are you able to drink from the bitter cup of suffering I am about to drink?” “Oh yes,” they replied, “we are able!” 23 Jesus told them, “You will indeed drink from my bitter cup. But I have no right to say who will sit on my right or my left. My Father has prepared those places for the ones he has chosen.” 24 When the ten other disciples heard what James and John had asked, they were indignant. 25 But Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. 26 But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. 28 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:20–28 NLT)

At the same time Jesus is telling his disciples about his imminent death, they’re jockeying for position in the Kingdom of Heaven! Mark tells of this incident in Mark 10:35-45, but his version has James and John coming to ask this favor themselves. It’s possible they’ve missed something of Kingdom Values!

Jesus: Do you know what you’re asking? James and John: Yes we do! Jesus: You really don’t have a clue. But you’ll find out! Then also from Jesus: It’s not up to me, but to my Father to prepare places, to choose those who will occupy the places, and to prepare those people. The other disciples were no better! They were indignant that James and John had thought of it first! Jesus uses this as a teachable moment.

Let’s go over this once more, slowly: 1) In the world system, kings rule harshly and officials lord it over those beneath them. 2) Among you, it doesn’t work that way. 3) If you want to be a leader, become a servant. 4) If you want to be first, choose last place. 5) Follow my example. I came to serve others and to sacrifice my life for all.

Prayer:

Father, I know this is true and right. It’s not easy because we humans struggle with ego, pride, and self-interest. But James and John eventually got it. So I know there’s hope for me and my friends to do the right thing here. By your grace and mercy! Amen.