WHAT IS GREATNESS?

 *05/02/2023*

*THANKSGIVING SERVICE*

TOPIC:

*WHAT IS GREATNESS?*

Text:

Matthew 20:20-28; 23:11

1 Peter 5:3

Luke 22:27

*The measure of greatness is not position, power or prestige; it is service*

The mother of James and John, who may have been related to Jesus' mother, acted on their behalf to try to secure them key posts in Jesus' Kingdom.

Matthew 20:20-21

Her reasoning must have been that if Jesus was the Messiah, he would surely take the throne of his father David in Jerusalem. His claim to the throne would be accepted by the custodians of the promises of God, and he would rid Palestine of the Romans. James and John wanted to be in on the action, and sought through their mother to secure themselves positions of authority in the Kingdom of heaven.

The other disciples had no better insight into Jesus' messiahship, for when they discovered what James and John had tried to do behind their backs, they were indignant with the two brothers.

Matthew 20:24

Their minds were focused on the prospect of seniority, authority and perhaps importance and wealth. In fairness to them, they might have been trying to understand when and how they would sit on the twelve thrones alongside Jesus judging the twelve tribes of Israel

Matthew 19:28

Their theology might have been right but their timing was wrong.

James and John affirmed that they were ready to share his cup, and when the time came they did indeed drink the cup of suffering. James was executed by King Herod according to Acts 12:2 and John was banished to the Island of Patmos, where he had the visions that are described in the pages of the book of Revelation

Revelation 1:1

Being first in the Kingdom was not the result of personal ambition but of divine grant. God alone would decide who would receive what position.

In the world, leaders are served and can command people to do their bidding. But in Jesus' Kingdom, leadership means service to those led

Matthew 20:26-27

It is quite the opposite of what is common in human society.

Jesus does not ask anyone to do anything he was not prepared to do. He came into this world as the Son of God, and yet he did not have the normal attributes and advantages of a leader. In fact he gave his life as a ransom for many

Matthew 20:28

He died that we might have a chance to be redeemed.

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