March 10, 2013 - A Mother's Request

Matthew 20:20-28

It seems pretty obvious  that mothers not only give birth to a child,  but that there is in God’s plan for them the deep desire to have – and hope for them- a successful future, whatever that may be.  Such a one was the mother of Zebedee’s sons, named James and John.  She, too, wanted the best for her sons, and since this teacher named Jesus had chosen her sons to be among his twelve disciples, and talked of a future kingdom- maybe, just maybe- he could be influenced to place her boys in high position next to him.  But she didn’t understand Jesus’ message.

As she knelt before Jesus, having brought her sons with her, she pleaded, “Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.”

Jesus responded with, “You don’t know what you are asking,” speaking to the sons.  Continuing, he questioned, “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?” “We can,” they answered, without understanding. 

Jesus went on to affirm prophetically, their over self confidence.  Of course, the other ten disciples were “indignant” at the request.

Jesus, then, taught all of these a lesson that we, too, must understand: “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave- just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many”.  Some persons- even in churches- like to “lord it over” others.  Certainly somebody has to be in charge, but there is a major difference between being in charge and “Lording over” others.

Pastor Randy will refer to John 13 in his sermon on March 10, where Jesus humbled himself and washed the feet of his disciples.  Peter didn’t like that idea, thinking this should be the other way around- they washing his.  But Jesus told him, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me”.  Here, Jesus spoke not only about his example of humble servanthood, but even more importantly by using “you” rather than “your feet”, he referred to sinful attitudes that so easily beset us.  We need to be “washed” repeatedly by the Holy Spirit as we humbly confess our wrong attitudes.  As we continue our fast in this season of Lent, let’s search our own hearts, asking the Lord to help us discover our own sinful attitudes; let’s repent, and then, serve others, following Christ’s example, and with the Holy Spirit’s help and guidance.

…. Pastor Don Beam