Matthew 20:20-28 New International Version (NIV)
A Mother’s Request
20 Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him. 21 “What is it you want?” he asked. She said, “Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.” 22 “You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said to them. “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?” “We can,” they answered. 23 Jesus said to them, “You will indeed drink from my cup, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by my Father.” 24 When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers. 25 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first 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.” Friday, August 21 - Matthew 20:20-28 Now Jesus is just laying it on really thick. If you haven’t gotten the point that God is not interested in using power, authority and strength to rule over people or force them to do His will then here it is again. Please note: authority and power are not bad. In fact, they are given by God, which is why Jesus says that the “seats” at his right hand and left (symbolic positions of power) will be given by the Father. However, power in God’s kingdom is always filled with, immersed in, and soaked with sacrificial love for others. A mother who gets up to care for her sick child in the night is great in the kingdom of God. The father who gets up early and works hard all day long to provide for his family is great in the kingdom of God. The cashier at Wal-Mart who puts a smile on her face and treats every customer with dignity and respect is great in the kingdom of heaven. When you love and serve you are great.