Text: v. 43 But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great
among you, shall be your minister:
Introduction:
Several things are happening in the world generally today-majorly dwelling on security and dangers to life, living, and properties.
The church today is almost (if not totally) in the midst of age of decadence
Churches are full on Sundays, holy living is scarse in the week
Even Christians would prefer their wish to supercede God’s Word
Pastors and preachers are in the danger of telling people what they want to hear, and not God’s Word
And many more challenges
However, these words come from the mouth of Jesus saying “But it should not be that way with you” (v.43 ERV)
What is it that should not be so among/with us?
Remember, Jesus was addressing His disciples. Let’s see what He was addressing with them or calling their attention to – Back to our passage (Read)
To me, Jesus is addressing the issue of Pride and Motive. Let’s see these two first:
They are both conditions of the heart, leading to other vices (as reflected in the two brothers)
I.Pride:
1. Pride makes us insensitive to the needs of others (v. 35). So far from sharing in the unimaginable burden that the Lord had just confessed Himself to be facing, or even giving any indication that the Lord’s words have affected them, James and John eagerly make their selfish request, manifesting no concern for the sorrowful news that the Lord has just shared with them.
2. Pride blinds us to the truths of God’s Word (v. 35). Not only are the two disciples incapable of feeling any compassion for the Lord, they are incapable of processing the Lord’s words.
3. Pride makes us presumptuous in our expectations (v. 35). “Do for us whatever we ask of you” is the outrageous way the disciples introduce their request to the Lord.
4. Pride makes us overestimate our abilities (v. 39). The Lord’s response to their request was to ask them if they could “drink the cup” of suffering that He was about to undergo. With brash confidence, both disciples assured him that they could.
5. Pride provokes us to usurp the rightful place of others (v. 40). Jesus told them that not even He (in His incarnate state) had the authority to grant their presumptuous request, but that only the Father could give such positions to those for whom they were prepared.
6. Pride creates strife and divisions (v. 41). Though James and John instigated the problem by their injudicious request, the other disciples manifested a similar lack of humility. When they heard the brothers’ request, “the ten began to feel indignant.” Pride invariably foments strife and, if left unchecked, divisions. Sometimes the divisions will be dramatic physical separations, but always there will be destructive spiritual division.
7. Pride promotes worldly behavior (v. 42). “Do not love the world nor the things in the world,” John commanded before defining those things as including “the boastful pride of life” (I John 2:15, 16).
8. Pride manifests the opposite of what Scripture requires (vv. 43, 44). The heart of a believer is to be that of a servant—a “slave of all.”
9. Pride is contrary to the Person and work of Christ (v. 45). Christ Himself “did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” His followers throughout time have been called to demonstrate the same character, living lives of selfless service for the glory of the Lord who saved them and the blessing of others.
10. Pride stifles love (vv. 35-45). James and John exhibited a profound lack of love for the Lord, their brother disciples, and the charge they had received. Self-love—the hallmark of pride—was their predominant motivation.
II. Motive: What kind of motive do we see displayed here, let’s see first a few (there are was)
What needs to be noted first is that ambition can be good or bad. The determining factor is motive. One’s motive makes ambition either good or bad. The ambition of James and John exposes several possible motives. Each one touches a sensitive spot within every man and urges every man to examine the motives of his heart (Mt.20:20 – 21)
1. There was the motive of favoritism. James and John along with Peter formed an inner circle around Christ (Mk 9:2). They apparently had some feeling that they were special, the favorites of Christ; therefore, they were due the top positions.
Observation:
1. Feeling special, as though one is a favorite of God, is a common sin – a sin of pride. How many of us have felt we are one of God’s specials or favorites? How often have we felt this way?
2. The inner circle, or the multi-gifted, often feels as though they are the special ones of God or of the church. Some often feels as though they are due special favours
God does not show favoritism (Acts 10:34)
Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. (Prov. 16:18)
2. There was the motive of wealth. Zebedee, the father of James and John, was apparently
wealthy. He owned a fishing business large enough to furnish fish for the palace.
Please note:
(1). Wealth can make a man self-centered. It can pamper and make one selfish. It can cause one to expect more attention, more honor, more recognition, more favor.
(2) Those who have wealth often want more. And they set out to get more, whether wise or unwise, whether right or wrong. The wisdom and righteousness of having wealth are determined by a person’s motive and true need.
2. There was the motive of power, position, influence, and authority. This was clearly one of the motives of James and John. They wanted to be right next to Jesus in position and influence, power and authority. It is the very thing they asked.
How true! Men want position. Men think in terms of position and influence. Within the business world, men want a position that assures influence and reward. Within the church, some want a position of leadership and of influence. Men seldom think in terms of service or in terms of how they can help the company or the church. Too often their thoughts are on the honor, the reward, the influence, the position they will receive.
3. There was the motive of social status. James and John did have some social standing. They were somewhat wealthy and were accepted within the palace and were personally known by the High Priest. Social standing often makes a person feel that he is entitled to more – more position, more recognition, a higher seat.
Social standing can also make one feel he is better or above others. Perhaps James and John had a tinge of both feelings.
In Conclusion:
What is it that should be so among us?
Among whom is Jesus talking about?
Among the disciples of Jesus. That is, those who have committed their totality to Christ and His Kingdom.
1. Pride should be seriously dealt with
2. Our motive must be correct and right
What else should not be among us?
3. Immorality should not be seen/heard among us ( 1 Cor. 5: 1 – 7)
4. Grudges and fighting should not be heard or seen among us (Phil 4:1 – 3)
5. Ungodly retaliation should not be found among us ( Luke 9:49 – 56)
What are you doing or saying or even thinking right now?
Does the Spirit of God inside you justify you of such?
What is your lifestyle like? Is it Christlike?
Remember the words of Jesus, John 13:34 -35, “By this shall all men know…”
Can we pray a sincere prayer?
Pray this morning (Eph. 4:1) I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,