"A SPECIAL REQUEST"

What are some things that you have learned over the past three weeks?

Proposition - This morning we are going to look at 1) the request of Jesus, 2) the response of Jesus, and 3) lesson from Jesus.

Interrogative question - Why do you want to live for Jesus?

The Request - vs. 20-21

Matthew 20:20–28 (NASB95)

20 Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to Jesus with her sons, bowing down and making a request of Him. 21 And He said to her, “What do you wish?” She said to Him, “Command that in Your kingdom these two sons of mine may sit one on Your right and one on Your left.”

Who is making the Request?

How did she approach Jesus? (application - how are you approaching Jesus?)

What is her request?

20:21 Grant … these two sons of mine. Probably playing off the words of Jesus in 19:28, James and John had enlisted their mother to convey their proud, self-seeking request to Jesus. This was a recurring matter among the disciples (cf. 18:1, 4; 23:11; Mark 9:34, Luke 9:46; 22:24, 26), right up to the table at the Last Supper. MacArthur, J., Jr., ed. (1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed., p. 1430). Word Pub.

Why might she ask this question?

The Response - vs. 22-24

22 But Jesus answered, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?” They said to Him, “We are able.” 23 He said to them, “My cup you shall drink; but to sit on My right and on My left, this is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by My Father.” 24 And hearing this, the ten became indignant with the two brothers.

Do you think Jesus was frustrated with her? why or why not?

What is the point of Jesus’ response?

20:23 You will drink my cup. James became the first apostolic martyr (Acts 12:2), and John suffered persecution and exile (Rev. 1:9). for whom it has been prepared by my Father. They must submit to the Father’s will for their future, just as Jesus does. Crossway Bibles. (2008). The ESV Study Bible (p. 1863). Crossway Bibles.

Why were the other disciples upset?

The Lesson - vs. 25-28

25 But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. 26 “It is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, 27 and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

Notice how Jesus maximizes on the opportunity to invest in his disciples

Why do think Jesus brings up a “servant?”

20:26–27 A servant was a hired worker who maintained the master’s household, and a slave was someone forced into service. These were two of the lowest positions in Jewish society, yet Jesus reverses their status in the community of disciples to indicate prominence and greatness. Crossway Bibles. (2008). The ESV Study Bible (p. 1863). Crossway Bibles.

SO WHAT?

Why do you want to live for Jesus?