  
|
|
About-Him.Com Devotional 05-21-2005
Http://About-Him.Com/ My Thoughts on the Life of Christ, from His Baptism to His Ascension. 178:The Ambition of James and John Mt. 20:20-28; Mk. 10:35-45 Matthew 20:20 Then came to him the mother of Zebedee's children with her sons, worshiping him, and desiring a certain thing of him. As Jesus and the twelve walked toward Jerusalem, He told them of His coming suffering, death and resurrection. It all fell on deaf ears and closed hearts. They all had their own conception of the coming kingdom and the exalted role that they would play in it. Everybody wanted to be chief. James and John, whose mother Salome was possibly the sister of Mary, decided to press that advantage by having their mother ask Jesus to grant an unknown request. Jesus asked, “Just what is it that you want?” “Please grant that my two sons stand beside you, the one on the right and the other on the left when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus replied, “You really don’t know what you are talking about. Are you able to partake of the suffering that I am about to partake of?” “Yes Lord, we are able.” “You will indeed share in my suffering, but it is not in my power to grant your request for special treatment. That will be given for to those for whom it is prepared.” The other ten disciples who no doubt had schemes of their own became indignant when they became aware of what James and John had requested Jesus then called all twelve together and told them that His kingdom would not be patterned after the governments of the world, where those with great authority rule over those of lesser rank. In fact, in His kingdom the hierarchy would be exactly opposite. “If you desire to be great, minister to all. If you want to be chief, be a servant to everybody.” Matthew 20:27 And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: 28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. Conclusion and Application: The disciples sensed that things were coming to a head. Jesus had recently raised Lazarus from the dead and His enemies were pressing for a climax. They probably believed their would be some conflict where Jesus would once again be victorious and then the kingdom would be restored in all of it’s splendor. Jesus had recently told them that they would sit with Him judging the twelve tribes of Israel. Everything was going to work out fine. James and John did indeed drink of our Lord’s cup of suffering. James was martyred and John was exiled to Patmos. All except John are said to have died a martyrs death. Obvious, something changed after the resurrection when Jesus walked with them for forty days speaking of things pertaining to the kingdom of God (Acts 1:3). However, even at the ascension they still looked for a physical kingdom. Jesus told them that it was not for them to know but that they would receive power to witness of Him after they were baptized with the Holy Ghost (Acts 1:7-8, 2:4). After Pentecost, they were never the same. They never again entertained thought s of an earthly kingdom. They went to the ends of the earth preaching the gospel and gave their lives in the process. How sad it is to see churches and ministries where everybody is struggling to be chief, without ever learning how to be a servant. I believe it greatly grieves the heart of the Lord. There will be a heavy price to pay for anyone who has abused others to obtain position and authority over others. Jerimiah 23:2 Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people; Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the LORD. May we all take inventory of the gifts that God has given us and determine how that we might use them to further His kingdom. Romans 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. When we get to heaven we may be very surprised at the seating arraignment. Some little frail prayer warrior may actually be favored over some of our highly visible preachers. Somebody has said that prepared places are for prepared people. In About-Him
Online Sermons http://about-him.com/sermonlink.htmlOur Bible Studies http://about-him.com/bslinkpage.html Our Music: http://about-him.com/audio.html Flash Theater http://about-him.com/player.html Scripture list on 30 subjects http://about-him.com/wordarc.html Humor
A builder was being paid weekly for a project that would last for several months. He
approached the owner of the property and held up the check he'd been given. "This is
$200 dollars less than we agreed on," he said.
"That's right," the owner said, "And last week I overpaid you $200 ... Funny, but you never complained then." "Well, I don't mind an occasional mistake" the contractor said."But when it gets to be a habit, I feel I have to call it to your attention." We need not think alike to love alike - F.David Somebody Has Said
We need not think alike to love alike - F.David Keep Looking Up! Don and Marie Spooner About Him! Ministries Your thoughts and Inquiries Contact@about-him.com Subscribe to this devotional? Subscribe@about-him.com
The purpose of About-Him.Com is to glorify the Lord Jesus
Christ whom we preach as the Almighty God manifest in the flesh.
It is our desire that everything presented on these pages increases your
faith in our God and Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.
|