Sunday, March 20
Pray honestly, serve humbly
Scripture: Deuteronomy 3-4, Psalm 34, Matthew 20
Matthew 20:20–22 Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons approached him with her sons. She knelt down to ask him for something. 21 “What do you want?” he asked her.
“Promise,” she said to him, “that these two sons of mine may sit, one on your right and the other on your left, in your kingdom.”
22 Jesus answered, “You don’t know what you’re asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?”
“We are able,” they said to him.
Matthew 20:24–28 When the ten disciples heard this, they became indignant with the two brothers. 25 Jesus called them over and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in high positions act as tyrants over them. 26 It must not be like that among you. On the contrary, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave; 28 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.”
Observation
Two things.
First, James’ and John’s mother approached Jesus and He asked, “What do you want?” When she made her request, Jesus said, “You don’t know what you’re asking.” Had Jesus given her what she asked, her sons would have crucified with Him on His right and left side. We are free to ask for whatever we want; thankfully, Jesus doesn’t always give it to us!
Second, Jesus used this as a teaching moment. Greatness in the kingdom of God is measured by humble service. Jesus came not to be served, but to serve and to give His life for us. This is the measure of greatness: serve others and give your life away. Just the opposite of clambering for power and position in order to lord it over others. Serve!
Application
Two things:
First, be glad that God doesn’t answer all our prayers! I think of a prayer I’ve been praying lately. I realize I’m asking what seems best to me from my very limited perspective. God knows what is best from His eternal perspective. So I honestly make my request, and then trust Him. “Not my will, but Yours be done.” Ask away! Pray honestly. And then surrender.
Second, seek to serve, not be served. God may give you power, authority, position, and if He does, use it to serve others, not be served. Our lives are not our own. We are, like Jesus, to be given away to serve God and others. When you give your life away, you find it. When you serve, you are at your best!
Prayer: Lord, help me to pray honestly, and then to trust You completely. Here’s what I want; now, do what You want. And help me to serve humbly, rather than seek to be served.