Family Invitations Can Change the World

Prayer of Illumination

Gracious God, as we open Your Word today, open our hearts to receive it. Shine Your light into our minds so we may understand, into our hearts so we may believe, and into our lives so we may obey. May Your Spirit guide us, speak through Your Word, and shape us more into the image of Christ.

In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Introduction

I want to share a personal story about the incredible influence of a mother figure in my life. My grandmother was a spiritual giant to me. From a young age, I felt a calling to ministry—one that I first recognized at just 8 years old. But it wasn’t just a calling I felt; it was a calling that my grandmother saw and believed in.

She didn’t just encourage me—she actively nurtured it. She prayed for me, and not just in passing but with deep, intentional prayers for the ministry I was being called to. She called on others to join her in praying for me and the future God had planned for me.

Looking back, I can confidently say that my grandmother is one of the biggest reasons my calling became a reality. Her faith, prayers, and encouragement were the foundation that helped me step into the ministry God had prepared for me.

This is a reminder to all of us that our prayers and faith in others—especially our children or grandchildren—are never in vain. What we speak into their lives, what we pray over them, can shape their futures in ways we may never fully see.

Mother’s Day reminds us of the power of family and the impact of a simple invitation. Some of you are here today because you’re honoring your mother’s invitation—thank you for that.

We’re in a series called Invitation, looking at how Jesus used simple invitations to change lives. Moms, many of you invited your children today, and even if not everyone could come, your effort matters.

Today’s message honors mothers by showing their influence in two Gospel stories—one from Matthew, one from John. We’ll see how a mother’s faith shaped the lives of two sets of brothers—Peter and Andrew, James and John.

Imagine being disciples with your brother! (Any brothers here today?) Their mothers likely played a big role in preparing them for following Jesus.

Moms, ladies, you have that kind of influence too. Your faith and love shape the future of your family.

I. James & John – Sons of Thunder and a Bold Mother

Matthew 20:20–28 NASB 2020

Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to Jesus with her sons, bowing down and making a request of Him. And He said to her, “What do you desire?” She said to Him, “Say that in Your kingdom these two sons of mine shall sit, one at Your right, and one at Your left.” But Jesus replied, “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.” He said to them, “My cup you shall drink; but to sit at My right and at My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by My Father.” And after hearing this, the other ten disciples became indignant with the two brothers. But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles domineer over them, and those in high position exercise authority over them. It is not this way among you, but whoever wants to become prominent among you shall be your servant, and whoever desires to be first among you shall be your slave; 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.”

Family Dynamics of the Disciples

Two sets of brothers followed Jesus: James & John; Andrew & Peter.

Bold and Loud – “Sons of Thunder”

James and John were fiery and ambitious (Luke 9:51–54).

They were loud and proud. Their mother instilled in them a strong confidence. They are confident that they can drink the cup that Christ will drink of.

Mary, the Ambitious Mother

Requested high positions for her sons in Jesus’ kingdom.

They made an assumption that greatness was based on, power, status, and authority.

Jesus responded with a lesson in humility and servanthood.

Their request revealed a misunderstanding of Jesus’ mission—glory would come through sacrifice, not status.

Jesus redirects their perspective.

Jesus doesn’t condemn their desire but gently corrects them: “You don’t know what you are asking.”

True greatness in the kingdom comes through suffering and service but they wanted privilege and power without service and commitment.

Takeaway for Mothers

Mothers have power to instill boldness and dreams.

Mary’s influence shaped her sons, reminding us how powerful and lasting a mother’s impact can be—for better or for challenge.

We must balance confidence with humility.

When sharing our faith, we should speak about Jesus with boldness, confident in the truth of His love and salvation. At the same time, we must remain open-hearted and humble, recognizing that we ourselves are saved by grace. We don’t speak from a place of superiority, but as fellow travelers inviting others to experience what we have found in Christ.

We are bold in sharing our faith, yet gentle in how we respond to others. This mirrors the way Jesus approaches every heart—He convicts with boldness, but always knocks with a gentle hand.

Influence must be prayerfully guided.

How we influence our children, grandchildren, and the world must be guided in seeking and imitating Christ.

II. Jesus Teaches True Greatness (Matthew 20:26–28)

Key Verse: “Whoever wants to become great… must be your servant.”

This request causes tension among the disciples.

The bold request for honor caused jealousy and division among the other disciples.

It shows all of their prideful hearts and selfish ambitions. They were upset that they didn’t think of it first. Since they exposed their pride…….

Jesus calls a time out.

Jesus gathered the disciples to correct their thinking about power and position in His kingdom.

Jesus redefines greatness as service, not position.

Unlike the world’s system of power and status, Jesus taught that greatness comes through servanthood. He didn’t rebuke their desire to be great but condemned the worldly method for achieving it.

We must always remain open to self-examination so that we live in true humility as servants.

The Tony Evans Bible Commentary X. Ministry on the Way to Jerusalem (19:1–20:34)

Dream Big! Ask God how you can use your skills and talents to make the biggest possible kingdom impact.

It is important to note that Jesus avoids the pronoun I and instead uses “the Son of Man”. He gave up his rights and took on a responsibility that he was not required to take.

He came to serve, not to be served. Through his servanthood, he became the example of greatness for us.

Jesus came and gave his life as a ransom

Word Pictures in the New Testament Matthew 20:28

the price paid for a slave who is then set free by the one who bought him, the purchase money for manumitting (releasing) slaves.

Jesus came to seek, serve, and save.

We are called to actively seek out the lost, serving them with Christ’s love and compassion. As we point them to Jesus—the one who saves—we learn that true greatness is found in giving ourselves to God and to others.

Seek purpose not position.

Position is about power and control, about telling others what to do. In contrast, God’s purpose for us is about sacrifice and surrender to his calling.

James and John sought positions of power to command others, but Jesus emphasized that true purpose is always centered on God, not self.

Matthew 6:32–33 NASB 2020

But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided to you.

Although they were part of his inner circle and received private teachings, they struggled to grasp his lessons.

Seek Jesus. Seek purpose. Never settle for position.

III. The Transformation of the Brothers

John’s Transformation and Legacy

After being humbled, John became known as “the disciple whom Jesus loved.” Jesus entrusted him with the care of His mother, and John went on to become a key leader in the early church.

He authored five New Testament books and ministered in Ephesus until his death.

James’s Bold Leadership and Legacy

James, part of Jesus’s inner circle, became a key leader in the early church and the first apostle martyred for his faith.

His boldness, shaped by his mother’s influence, helped both brothers become courageous, humble leaders for God’s kingdom.

Mary’s impact reminds us of the powerful role mothers play in shaping world-changing faith.

Their mother's influence helped shape them into bold and committed disciples. Mary is an inspiring example to every mother of the impact that they can have for God’s kingdom.

IV. Andrew Invites Peter – A Brother’s Influence

John 1:35–42 NASB 2020

Again the next day John was standing with two of his disciples, and he looked at Jesus as He walked, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. And Jesus turned and saw them following, and said to them, “What are you seeking?” They said to Him, “Rabbi (which translated means Teacher), where are You staying?” He said to them, “Come, and you will see.” So they came and saw where He was staying, and they stayed with Him that day; it was about the tenth hour. One of the two who heard John speak, and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which translated means Christ). He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon the son of John; you shall be called Cephas” (which is translated Peter).

The Hidden Impact of Faithful Women

Andrew and Peter’s Readiness

Though little is said about their mother, her influence likely helped prepare them to respond when Jesus called.

Peter’s Mother-in-Law’s Impact

Her healing by Jesus and immediate service showed Peter’s mother-in-law as a living example of gratitude and having the heart of a servant.

The Power of a Mother’s Influence

Mothers shape lives—whether by birth or through relationship—and often go unrecognized for their role.

Mother’s Day is a Time to Honor

When your children succeed, you succeed—God sees and rewards your faithfulness, both now and in eternity.

No One Succeeds Alone

We all stand on the shoulders of others—let's honor those who lifted us up, especially our mothers.

It All Started with an Invitation

Andrew First Followed John the Baptist

Andrew was originally a disciple of John, who pointed him to Jesus as “the Lamb of God.”

Andrew Responded Quickly

Upon hearing John’s words, Andrew immediately began following Jesus.

His First Action: Invite His Brother

The first thing Andrew did was find his brother Simon (Peter) and invite him to meet Jesus.

That Simple Invitation Changed Everything

Simon met Jesus and was given a new name—Cephas (Peter)—marking the start of his transformation.

We Are Called to Invite, Not Fix

It’s not our job to fix people. Like Andrew, we’re called to invite them to Jesus—He’s the one who changes lives.

To Sum It Up: Family relationships can be bridges to Jesus.

Conclusion: The Power of a Family Invitation

You and I need to consider our relatives and how powerful our invitation could be in their spiritual lives. Brothers and sisters can impact their siblings. Parents can still have influence in their children’s lives at any age.

The mothers we discussed today had a great influence on the lives of their sons, helping them to become the men Jesus handpicked to be his disciples. Let me say again, moms, thank you for your spiritual influence over your family. Many people in this room today can trace their relationship with God back to the influence of their mother.

Thank you for your prayers. Thank you for your guidance. Thank you for your patience and empathy and care. You have helped us see Jesus and accept his invitation.

Prayer Following Message

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the gift of mothers and for the ways You work through our families to draw us closer to Jesus. Today, we remember those who first told us about You—those who prayed, invited, and loved us toward faith.

Help us to follow their example. Make us bridges, not barriers, for others to come to You. Use our lives and our words to extend the same invitation: “Come and see Jesus.”

Send us out now with grateful hearts, ready to serve, and eager to share Your love.

In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Charge

As we go from here today, remember that the greatest influence we have is through the love, prayers, and faith we extend to others—whether it’s our children, our families, or those we serve. Like the mothers and women in Scripture, your influence matters. Continue to invite, continue to encourage, and above all, continue to point others to Jesus.

Benediction

To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen. (Jude 24-25, NIV)