Matthew 20:20-28 — Goodman Oaks Retreat
Learning to Serve
This sermon examines Jesus's teaching on true greatness through the story of Mrs. Zebedee's request, arguing that Christian greatness comes through humble service to others, not through seeking position or prestige.
Introduction
What was kindness someone did for you that you have never forgotten? Why was that so special? We don’t forget those kind of things. We don’t quickly forget when someone does something for us that is out of the ordinary.
What are some of the values which our culture holds on to? We realize that many of these values are not God’s values. But let’s admit the truth—it is hard to set aside our culture and live according to God’s values. Why is it so hard?
Trying to be number one is not anything new. The root of all sin is setting ourselves up as God. That was the ultimate temptation to Eve in the Garden of Eden: “Eat the fruit and you will be like God.” And for us all that is the ultimate temptation—“you can be like God.” Powerful, prestigious, honored, revered, of high position. Even Jesus had something to say about such thinking.
Mrs. Zebedee and Her Boys
Turn to Matthew 20:20-28. I have used this passage in regards to elders and deacons, but it is a text for any who want to follow Jesus. You can picture the scene, can’t you? Mrs. Zebedee is wanting special treatment for her boys. She is a proud mother. Like many parents, she sees her boys as having immense talent. She is so proud of them that she asks Jesus that they be given the most important spots—first and second—when Jesus comes into his kingdom. What does this tell you about Mrs. Zebedee? Before we beat up on Mrs. Zebedee, let’s take a moment to consider her in light of ourselves. Don’t we want what is best for our kids? Don’t we believe that our child is able to do better than most? High IQ? Good personality? Maybe they deserve the best that this life has to offer or that we can offer them?
Mrs. Zebedee is asking like most moms ask for their kids. But she had no idea what God’s plans are. She didn’t understand the first thing about Jesus’ kingdom and how her boys were supposed to fit in to those plans. It wasn’t enough for her for her boys to be close to Jesus—she wanted to make sure that they were the closest to him.
But look at this. She had no idea when she brought her request that she was sentencing her boys to a life more horrible than she could conceive. She thought in terms of the luxury and the prestige. If she could have seen down the road, she would see that her son, James, was to be beheaded. She would have seen that her son, John would be exiled. Do you think she would have made the request if she knew what the outcome was going to be?
When the other apostles hear of her request they are indignant. That means they were mad because they didn’t make the request first. Can’t you hear them with James and John calling them momma’s boys? And all the while wishing that they had been the first to make the request. Jesus sets the record straight in verses 25-28. His ways are not the current culture’s way. Greatness was not from a position of authority. True greatness would come from service. True greatness comes when one offers himself as a slave to others. And Jesus uses himself as the prime example. He had come to serve and he expected his followers to do the same. There is no room for options.
Look carefully at verse 26. The words “not so with you” are emphatic. The word “not” is the first word in the sentence. That is a neat little way in the language to emphasize the opposite. It is one way in this culture. But in my kingdom it is not this way. Can you see why I have used this text in sermons about elders and deacons? But do you see also why this text must be used for the greater context of congregational life? What would happen to a congregation if folks took this message to heart? And how different would our homes look if we began to serve each other rather than being selfish? And how much would your work atmosphere change if you became a servant to those around you?
This is hard because people will take advantage of us. People will run over us. Being a servant doesn’t mean being a doormat. In just three chapters Jesus is going to give the religious leaders an earful about the changes they need to make in their lives. Being a servant means to consider the needs of others before you consider your own needs. It is washing dishes at home instead of watching TV. It is listening to the ideas of coworkers instead of dismissing those ideas because they do not measure up to your own. It is realizing that every Christian is valued and that no pecking order exists in God’s kingdom. We are all children with no rank and file. Service has to do with the mundane, the trivial, the ordinary. It has little to do with recognition, prestige, and excitement.
Service Demonstrated
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