Bible Study Verses from Matthew 20:20-28
In our efforts to follow Christ we sometimes forget our main objective. Sure, we have to do the “church things” like attending regularly and maybe singing in the choir, but what did Jesus tell us to do?
Serve other people. This is a part of our commission from Him.
What It Means to Serve – What Did Jesus Say about Serving Others?
It’s so easy to pray to God and ask for things we want. We normally pray for such things as health (for us or loved ones), family, financial situations, or maybe there is an emotional issue we are dealing with.
These things should be lifted up to God because prayer is our way of communicating with him.
The woman in this Matthew reading prayed to Jesus to allow her sons special treatment.
As you will see below, she didn’t realize what she was asking.
Serving Other People – Jesus 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.” – Matthew 20:26-28 NASB
Be Careful What You Ask For
This message from Matthew of a mother asking a simple favor of Jesus reveals to us a deeper intention.
Yes, she did bow down before Him and give praise. But, it is obvious she wanted something from Him ..
… The advancement of her two sons, James and John.
Like any parent today, she wanted to see her children placed in high positions. She most likely believed, as many did, that Jesus would be an earthly king instead of a heavenly one.
To Sit Beside Jesus
Christ gave a hint at what was to become of Him when He asked if John and James could drink from His cup – the crucifixion.
How to “Advance” in Heaven
Jesus went on to say, as He had preached many times, those who want to be first in heaven will be last on earth.
The servants here will sit in high places in God’s kingdom.
Why Are We Here?
God gave us life and put us on earth for one purpose, to serve Him. The way we serve God is by loving and serving others.
It’s our decision as to whether we will complete God’s will in our lives – and we are constantly falling short.
Jesus’ Service to Mankind
[easyazon_image align=”left” height=”160″ identifier=”031033750X” locale=”US” src=”https://makingchristknown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/51USPqyyDTL.SL160.jpg” tag=”bobpardphot-20″ width=”107″] Christ went to the cross and died in order to serve us by taking on our sin.
Can’t we do one small thing and take care of someone’s needs today?
Love in Christ
– Bob
To learn more about the love and life-changing experience of Jesus Christ, please take a moment to go here.