Matthew 20:20-34 “The Servant Leader”

“The Servant Leader”

Because our Lord Jesus offers hope for this life and the next, it is easy to become fixated on the blessings and glory Christ offers and to use this hope for personal gain and instead of being willing to sacrifice for God’s glory. This is true in our own culture as “Jesus” and the “gospel” have become big business. Churches now operate on business principles branding their “church” distinguishing their brand from other churches. This results in bringing honor to the church while the glory of Christ becomes secondary.

I. Worship as Manipulation –

A. James’ and John’s mother’s request

1. These cowardly brothers put their Jewish mother up to this request

2. Their mother comes kneeling

3. James and John were Jesus’ best friends and closest disciples – ;

B. They were distorting Jesus’ promise in

1. The promise was to all of the disciples - their request divided the church –

2. They desired the preeminence –

3. Our Lord warns His disciples –

4. The danger of wanting spiritual power instead of wanting to glorify Christ –

5. The book of Jude addresses these false prophets

II. Christ the Model for Ministry –

A. The call to ministry is the call to humble self-sacrificing service

1. The cup –

2. Is the cup of the Lord’s fury against sin?

3. The cup is the cup of the wine of God’s wrath –

B. Is it any wonder that Jesus trembled to take the cup of God’s wrath poured out on sin?

1. Jesus prayed in the garden – ,

2. Jesus became sin for us –

3. Who would dare to casually drink of this cup of God’s wrath?

C. As Christians we are able to be a partaker of Christ’s sufferings – ;

D. Christ is our example –

1. Jesus Christ came to serve –

2. Paul underscores this truth –

III. Individuals Matter –

A. Jesus stops for two blind men

1. They demonstrate need

2. And faith – Jesus is the Son of David –

B. What do you want - “open our eyes” –

The servant is compassionate –

In a culture that “uses God”, God is raising up humble servant leaders (). Leaders are people who do what no one else is willing to do or is able to do. Jesus alone is willing and able to serve. We too are called to humbly serve to God’s glory not our own.