Servanthood - Motives

Motives

We started a new series last week entitled “Servanthood”. I had you help me preach last week. Last week we made some proclamations. We said, “God is calling us to a higher level. God is calling you to a higher level. God is calling me to a higher level.” That level is servanthood!

PP- Definition of Biblical Servanthood: Loving acts performed in the power of the Holy Spirit to meet the temporal and spiritual needs of those around us-and leaving the results to God.

Opening: If you had less than a year to live, and you had the opportunity to give advice to a son, a daughter, or other loved ones or friends, I want you to think about what you would you say to them, if you had to condense it into a paragraph or a short speech.

David and Solomon

Towards the end of David’s life, David held a national assembly. Before all the heads of the tribes of Israel and other stately officials, David shares with them that God told him to make his son Solomon the next King.

David looks at his son in front of everyone and pulls out of his heart wisdom, the resultant of a lifetime of experience. And he gives Solomon the best advice that he could give to his son in front of the whole nation.

David knew, once he died, that his son, Solomon would be elevated into David's position as king and his son needed advice. David would filter and then flush out the most important parts and shared them with his son in front of all in the most succinct way.

PP- (NIV)

This man full of wisdom calls his son Solomon into a private room where he could speak his parting maxims into the heart of his son.

(NIV)

(NIV)

9 “And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands every desire and every thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever.

10 Consider now, for the Lord has chosen you to build a house as the sanctuary. Be strong and do the work.”

PP- (The Message)

9“And you, Solomon my son, get to know well your father’s God; serve him with a whole heart and eager mind, for God examines every heart and sees through every motive. If you seek him, he’ll make sure you find him, but if you abandon him, he’ll leave you for good.

Notice the advice he gives as it relates to Servant-hood and motives!

PP- Today’s Teaching in the Servanthood series is entitled, “Motives: What are yours?”

Ask the person next to you, “What are yours?” It’s a rhetorical question.

As Christians, we are called many things, there is no more powerful title for a Christian than SERVANT of Jesus Christ! Serving is an action, and every action has a motive behind it! So as we serve, one of the main things we have to check is our motives.

PP- Definition: A motive is the underlying reason for any action. The sense of need, desire, or fear that prompts an individual to act or begin movement.

“There is nothing wrong with motives, when they are properly aligned with God’s word and a pure heart. In fact every action we participate in is fueled by motives. But when motives become misaligned, there are major problems that can occur.”

“There is nothing wrong with motives, when they are properly aligned with God’s word and a pure heart. In fact every action we participate in is fueled by motives. But when motives become misaligned, there are major problems that can occur.”

PP- David told Solomon, his faithful, loyal son, that God had decided to elevate him.

(NIV)

5 Of all my sons—and the Lord has given me many—he has chosen my son Solomon to sit on the throne of the kingdom of the Lord over Israel.

6 He said to me: ‘Solomon your son is the one who will build my house and my courts, for I have chosen him to be my son, and I will be his father.

7 I will establish his kingdom forever if he is unswerving in carrying out my commands and laws, as is being done at this time.’

(The Message)

7I will guarantee that his kingdom will last if he continues to be as strong-minded in doing what I command and carrying out my decisions as he is doing now.’

Solomon was chosen by God , elevated because he was SERVING God with strong mindedness! This meant that he was resolute with pure motives!

(NIV)

But with this elevation comes great responsibility. It was important to not only serve God, but to serve with pure motives, since God sees your motives!

Since the beginning of time mankind has been intrigued by what motivates a person. Motivation is the reason why human beings complete tasks. Motivation is a difficult quality to define as people seem to have many different reasons for doing the things they do. For hundreds of years, scientists have offered many theories from different perspectives (scientific, psychological, physiological, anthropological and sociological) to offer explanations for where motivation comes from and how to increase it.

But with this elevation comes great responsibility. It was important to not only serve God, but to serve with pure motives, since God sees your motives!

Since the beginning of time mankind has been intrigued by what motivates a person. Motivation is the reason why human beings complete tasks. Motivation is a difficult quality to define as people seem to have many different reasons for doing the things they do. For hundreds of years, scientists have offered many theories from different perspectives (scientific, psychological, physiological, anthropological and sociological) to offer explanations for where motivation comes from and how to increase it.

Since the beginning of time mankind has been intrigued by what motivates a person. Motivation is the reason why human beings complete tasks. Motivation is a difficult quality to define as people seem to have many different reasons for doing the things they do. For hundreds of years, scientists have offered many theories from different perspectives (scientific, psychological, physiological, anthropological and sociological) to offer explanations for where motivation comes from and how to increase it.

Since the beginning of time mankind has been intrigued by what motivates a person. Motivation is the reason why human beings complete tasks. Motivation is a difficult quality to define as people seem to have many different reasons for doing the things they do. For hundreds of years, scientists have offered many theories from different perspectives (scientific, psychological, physiological, anthropological and sociological) to offer explanations for where motivation comes from and how to increase it.

Motivation is the reason why human beings complete tasks. Motivation is a difficult quality to define as people seem to have many different reasons for doing the things they do. For hundreds of years, scientists have offered many theories from different perspectives (scientific, psychological, physiological, anthropological and sociological) to offer explanations for where motivation comes from and how to increase it.

Motivation is the reason why human beings complete tasks. Motivation is a difficult quality to define as people seem to have many different reasons for doing the things they do. For hundreds of years, scientists have offered many theories from different perspectives (scientific, psychological, physiological, anthropological and sociological) to offer explanations for where motivation comes from and how to increase it.

Motivation is the reason why human beings complete tasks. Motivation is a difficult quality to define as people seem to have many different reasons for doing the things they do. For hundreds of years, scientists have offered many theories from different perspectives (scientific, psychological, physiological, anthropological and sociological) to offer explanations for where motivation comes from and how to increase it.

PP- In Psychology there are 4 Main Theories of Motives:

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs proposes that human beings are motivated to do things in a specific order required for survival. According to this theory, human beings cannot fulfill their needs in a higher category if they are not fulfilled in the lower categories first. The needs, in order, are: physiological, safety, love and affection, esteem and self-actualization (achievement of personal goals).

The Two-Factor or Dual Factor Theory

The Two-Factor or Dual Factor Theory

The two-factor theory (also known as Herzberg's motivation-hygiene theory and dual-factor theory) states that there are certain factors in the workplace that cause job satisfaction, while a separate set of factors cause dissatisfaction. It was developed by psychologist Frederick Herzberg, who theorized that job satisfaction and job dissatisfaction act independently of each other.

Expectancy Theory

Need for Achievement

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs proposes that human beings are motivated to do things in a specific order required for survival. According to this theory, human beings cannot fulfill their needs in a higher category if they are not fulfilled in the lower categories first. The needs, in order, are: physiological, safety, love and affection, esteem and self-actualization (achievement of personal goals).

Dual-Factor Theory

Frederick Herzberg's dual-factor theory, or two-factor theory, states that two consistent factors play into motivation, specifically in the workplace: hygiene and motivators. Hygiene factors are those which, if absent from a workplace, cause dissatisfaction. These factors include the environment, level of supervision, pay, etc. Motivators are factors that cause added satisfaction if present in a workplace but do not lower satisfaction levels among employees if not present. These factors include sense of achievement, recognition of abilities, nature of the job, etc.

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Need for Achievement

David McClelland's need for achievement theory is similar to Maslow's but states that people's needs are shaped by their life experiences over time. McClelland's theory cites three different types of people based on their motivation style: high achievers, people with affiliation needs and those with a need for power. People who are high achievers strive to be the best at everything and do best in high-risk situations. High achievers should be given difficult projects with clear goals in mind and provided with constant feedback. Those who need affiliation simply require harmonious and pleasant relationships with their coworkers and clients, and do best in more group-based, cooperative situations. Those with a need for power actively desire to organize and direct others for the personal goals or the institution they work for and work best in management positions.

David McClelland's need for achievement theory is similar to Maslow's but states that people's needs are shaped by their life experiences over time. McClelland's theory cites three different types of people based on their motivation style: high achievers, people with affiliation needs and those with a need for power. People who are high achievers strive to be the best at everything and do best in high-risk situations. High achievers should be given difficult projects with clear goals in mind and provided with constant feedback. Those who need affiliation simply require harmonious and pleasant relationships with their coworkers and clients, and do best in more group-based, cooperative situations. Those with a need for power actively desire to organize and direct others for the personal goals or the institution they work for and work best in management positions.

Expectancy Theory

Victor Vrom's expectancy theory uses the dual-factor theory to clarify that hygiene factors in the workplace do not necessarily lead to employee satisfaction and increased productivity. Instead, employees will only increase productivity if they believe their work is in direct relation to the achievement of their personal goals. In this theory, motivators are absolutely essential to increased productivity in the workplace

Victor Vrom's expectancy theory uses the dual-factor theory to clarify that hygiene factors in the workplace do not necessarily lead to employee satisfaction and increased productivity. Instead, employees will only increase productivity if they believe their work is in direct relation to the achievement of their personal goals. In this theory, motivators are absolutely essential to increased productivity in the workplaceWhen You look at all of these theories, you see people are motivated by needs and what bring pleasure!

Need for Achievement

But out of all these theories there is one that speaks to the human heart.

Need for Achievement

David McClelland's need for achievement theory is similar to Maslow's but states that people's needs are shaped by their life experiences over time. McClelland's theory cites three different types of people based on their motivation style: high achievers, people with affiliation needs and those with a need for power. People who are high achievers strive to be the best at everything and do best in high-risk situations. High achievers should be given difficult projects with clear goals in mind and provided with constant feedback. Those who need affiliation simply require harmonious and pleasant relationships with their coworkers and clients, and do best in more group-based, cooperative situations. Those with a need for power actively desire to organize and direct others for the personal goals or the institution they work for and work best in management positions.

When You look at all of these theories, you see people are motivated by needs and what bring pleasure!

Essentially, When You look at all of these theories, you see people are motivated by needs and pleasure!

The Hijacker!

PP-Our problem is not that we have needs and desire pleasure. Our problem is that there is something in us that hijacks our needs and pleasures and re-defines them. Re-purposes them!

PP- (Pics of healthy food) Most healthy people have a need for nutrition, food. Nutrition and food can also bring pleasure. This is legit!

PP- (Pics of cake and sweets)

But there is something in us that tries to hijack and redefine that need and that pleasure principle by saying, “Give me three pieces of chocolate cake with extra frosting and a pint of pistachio cheesecake ice cream! And then get upset at the waiter because he brought you a Pepsi instead of a diet Pepsi! This is pleasure but the wrong kind of pleasure because it can cause problems down the road, especially if you’re lactose intolerant!

But there is something in us that tries to hijack and redefine that need and that pleasure principle by saying, “Give me three pieces of chocolate cake with extra frosting and a pint of pistachio cheesecake ice cream! And then get upset at the waiter because he brought you a Pepsi instead of a diet Pepsi! This is pleasure but the wrong kind of pleasure because it can cause problems down the road, especially if you’re lactose intolerant!

This something dictates to us what we ought to need and what we ought to strive for for pleasure.

The hijacker is called, “The Flesh” or “The Sinful Nature” The sinful nature is the nature within us that is bent on doing what is contrary to God’s plan for our health, emotions, spirit!

PP- The hijacker is called, “The Flesh” or “The Sinful Nature” The sinful nature is the nature within us that is bent on doing what is contrary to God’s plan for our health, emotions, spirit!

This nature is reffered to as the “flesh”. It is the sinful nature we are born with.

WE have to be extremely careful that our ‘flesh” or ‘sinful nature” doesnt rule us. If it does with will affect why you do what you do! It will affect your ability to serve God!

The “flesh” is the inner desire that conflicts with God’s standard of holiness.

The “flesh” is the inner desire that conflicts with God’s standard of holiness.

Man has a need. He wasn’t a wife. The flesh, if it is allowed to reign supreme in his life will say, I don’t want a wife, I want alot of women to sleep around with so that I don’t have to make a commitment!

Man has a need. He wasn’t a wife. The flesh, if it is allowed to reign supreme in his life will say, I don’t want a wife, I want alot of women to sleep around with so that I don’t have to make a commitment!

The flesh tries to dictate to you what you need and what brings you pleasure!

PP-Romans 7:18 (KJV 1900) The Struggle With The Flesh

18For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.

The Bible has a lot to say about our motives. More than I could cover in a 30 minute teaching.

For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.

(KJV 1900)

The flesh wants to rule over what we need and what brings us pleasure!

Because your needs and pleasure drive your motives!

The next time your friend starts acting out of themselves, and their motives are found out, just tell them you got “Hijacked!”

The next time your friend starts acting out of themselves, and their motives are found out, just tell them you got “Hijacked!”

The flesh affects your motives by hijacking your needs and pleasures. It affect why you do what you do.

So how do we combat the flesh which tries to manipulate our needs and what brings us pleasure which can ultimately affect our motives.

How do we deal with this “flesh” issue that affects our Motives!

The human heart is so deceitful that it can cause us to even try to fool ourselves about our own motives. We can pretend that we are choosing certain actions for God or the benefit of others, when in reality we have selfish reasons.

1. Make reading the WORD of God a daily routine.

The human heart is so deceitful that it can cause us to even try to fool ourselves about our own motives. We can pretend that we are choosing certain actions for God or the benefit of others, when in reality we have selfish reasons.

“There is nothing wrong with motives, when they are properly aligned with God’s word and a pure heart. In fact every action we participate in is fueled by motives. But when motives become misaligned, there are major problems that can occur.”

Pride, anger, revenge, a sense of entitlement, or the desire for approval can all be catalysts for our actions. Any motivation that originates in our sinful flesh is not pleasing to God ()

How to Develop Good Motives:

Make reading the WORD of God a daily routine.

(NIV)

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

2. Guard the Heart

The Bible has a lot to say about our motives. More than I could cover in a 30 minute teaching.

(NIV)

Because the human heart is very deceitful (), we can easily fool ourselves about our own motives. We can pretend that we are choosing certain actions for God or the benefit of others, when in reality we have selfish reasons. God is not fooled by our selfishness and is “a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” ().

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.

3. Have for Your ambition to please God!

(NIV)

On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts.

4. Be led by the Holy Spirit!

(NIV)

So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.

“It is not God’s job to control our flesh, it’s our job to walk in the SPIRIT!”

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If we are going to serve God with effectiveness and righteousness, we must serve him as David told Solomon with the proper motives!

Part 2

Personal satisfactions, such as taking a vacation or winning a competition, are not wrong in themselves.

Motivation becomes an issue when we are not honest with ourselves about why we are doing things. When we give the outward appearance of obeying God but our hearts are hard, God knows. We are deceiving ourselves and others, too.

I want to take you to the New Testament, to see Jesus deal with this issue of improper motives. The narrative is recorded in and .

I want to start off reading Matthew

(NIV)

35Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do for us whatever we ask.”

36“What do you want me to do for you?” he asked.

37They replied, “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.”

(NLT)

37They replied, “When you sit on your glorious throne, we want to sit in places of honor next to you, one on your right and the other on your left.”

They were requesting the two highest positions of privilege in Jesus’ kingdom.

A request was made of Jesus. It is recorded in two of the gospels. In Matthew the mother of James and John speaks, in Mark James and John is seen speaking.

The request from the mother and her sons is, when Jesus gets to his final position of power in the Kingdom of God, can one, James or John sit on the right hand of Jesus, and can the other sit on the left hand of Jesus. These were the sons of the owner of a well-known fish Company.

When there are good action with wrong motives, you have what’s called ulterior motives. Meaning the reason behind your actions aren’t pure. Your actions aren’t what they appear to be!

WHEN THERE’S AN INTERTWINING OF GOOD ACTIONS WITH WRONG MOTIVES, WE CALL THAT HAVING AN ULTERIOR MOTIVE. MEANING THE REASON BEHIND YOUR GOOD ACTION IS NOT PURE. IT IS NOT WHAT IT APPEARS TO BE.

says, “All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the LORD.”

Because the human heart is very deceitful (), we can easily fool ourselves about our own motives. We can pretend that we are choosing certain actions for God or the benefit of others, when in reality we have selfish reasons. God is not fooled by our selfishness and is “a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” ().

Human beings can operate from a variety of motivations, often negative. Pride, anger, revenge, a sense of entitlement, or the desire for approval can all be catalysts for our actions. Any motivation that originates in our sinful flesh is not pleasing to God (). God even evaluates the condition of our hearts when we give offerings to Him (). Selfish motives can hinder our prayers. says, “When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.” Because our hearts are so deceitful, we should constantly evaluate our own motives and be willing to be honest with ourselves about why we are choosing a certain action.

PP- Let’s Test Our Motives: 1. If my sacrificing, giving, and serving would never be seen, would I still do it? 2. If there was no visible payoff for doing this, would I still do it? 3. Would I joyfully accept a lesser role in order for the organization to serve more efficiently? 4. Do I love the praise of others and how it makes me feel? 5. Would I suffer for Christ, in order to serve a person in? 6. If others misunderstand or criticize my actions, will I stop? 7. If the people I serve didn’t show any gratitude or repay me in any way, would I still do it? 8. Do I judge my success or failure based upon my faithfulness to what God has asked me to do, or how I compare with others?

Let’s Test Our Motives:

1. If my sacrificing, giving, and serving would never be seen, would I still do it? 2. If there was no visible payoff for doing this, would I still do it? 3. Would I joyfully accept a lesser role in order for the organization to serve more efficiently? 4. Do I love the praise of others and how it makes me feel? 5. Would I suffer for Christ, in order to serve a person in? 6. If others misunderstand or criticize my actions, will I stop? 7. If the people I serve didn’t show any gratitude or repay me in any way, would I still do it? 8. Do I judge my success or failure based upon my faithfulness to what God has asked me to do, or how I compare with others?

Personal satisfactions, such as taking a vacation or winning a competition, are not wrong in themselves.

Motivation becomes an issue when we are not honest with ourselves about why we are doing things. When we give the outward appearance of obeying God but our hearts are hard, God knows. We are deceiving ourselves and others, too.

The only way we can operate from pure motives is when we “walk in the Spirit” (, ). When we allow Him to control every part of us, then our desire is to please Him and not ourselves. Our flesh constantly clamors to exalt itself, and only when we walk in the Spirit will we not gratify those desires of our flesh.

(NIV)

3When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.

(NIV)

27The human spirit is the lamp of the Lord that sheds light on one’s inmost being.

20The man who had received five bags of gold brought the other five. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with five bags of gold. See, I have gained five more.’

21“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’

22“The man with two bags of gold also came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with two bags of gold; see, I have gained two more.’

23“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’

24“Then the man who had received one bag of gold came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed.

25So I was afraid and went out and hid your gold in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.’

26“His master replied, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed?

27Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest.

28“ ‘So take the bag of gold from him and give it to the one who has ten bags.

(NIV)

35Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do for us whatever we ask.”

36“What do you want me to do for you?” he asked.

37They replied, “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.”

(NLT)

37They replied, “When you sit on your glorious throne, we want to sit in places of honor next to you, one on your right and the other on your left.”

38“You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said. “Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?”

39“We can,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with,

They were requesting the two highest positions of privilege in Jesus’ kingdom.

40but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared.”

41When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John.

42Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them.

43Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,

44and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.

45For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

A request was made of Jesus. It is recorded in two of the gospels. In Matthew the mother of James and John speaks, in Mark James and John is seen speaking.

A request was made of Jesus. It is recorded in two of the gospels. In Matthew the mother of James and John speaks, in Mark James and John is seen speaking.

A request was made of Jesus. It is recorded in two of the gospels. In Matthew the mother of James and John speaks, in Mark James and John is seen speaking.

The request from the mother and her sons is, when Jesus gets to his final position of power in the Kingdom of God, can one, James or John sit on the right hand of Jesus, and can the other sit on the left hand of Jesus. These were the sons of the owner of a well-known fish Company.

One wanted to be CFO and the other COO.

(NIV)

“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.”

One wanted to be CFO and the other COO.

(NIV)

Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do for us whatever we ask.”

Matthew records what literally happen, Mark records what happened figuratively. James and John got their mother to speak on their behalf. Perhaps she was respected in the community. Remember their family had a fishing company. They were known in the community.

Notice: She came “kneeling down”.

This was a sign of respect and submission towards someone.

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.”

This was a position of respect and honor towards someone.

But the kneeling (outward show) needed to match the motive (the inward reasoning).

“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.’”

“Grant” is actually an imperative verb. She wasn’t making a request, she was trying to tell Jesus what to do!

Whenever a person is making a request, especially one of significance consequences, you must check the motive behind the request. Why do they want this? Who will it benefit? How will this work?

God does the same thing! When we are asking for things as disciples of Christ, God sees our motives.

PP- (NIV)

“All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord.”

He checks the motives behind every action, request, response, and thought!

(NIV)

“The Lord detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.”

Towards the end of David’s life, he calls his son Solomon into a private room where he could speak his parting maxims into the heart of his son. David knew, once he died, that his son, Solomon would be elevated into David's position as king. Notice the advice he gives as it relates to Servant-hood and motives!

Towards the end of David’s life, he calls his son Solomon into a private room where he could speak his parting maxims into the heart of his son. David knew, once he died, that his son, Solomon would be elevated into David's position as king. Notice the advice he gives as it relates to Servant-hood and motives!

(NIV)

9 “And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands every desire and every thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever.

10 Consider now, for the Lord has chosen you to build a house as the sanctuary. Be strong and do the work.”

Jesus was checking the motives of James and John’s heart.

PP- One way to check a person’s motive is to put them to a test!

PP- One way to check a person’s motive is to put them to a test!

(NIV)

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.”

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.”

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.

(NIV)

38“You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said. “Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?” (are you willing” or “are you prepared”.

39“We can,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with,

40but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared.”

Jesus explained that he knew that they initially wanted to take on these positions of honor. But they were going to be tested to see if there hearts are pure. I don’t have the power to give you these positions, only the Father in heaven can do this. But if you think you’re qualified to hold these powerful slots, put your resume in, but you are going to still have to prove yourselves.

You are going to drink from the cup, “Cup” was a common Old Testament metaphor for suffering, especially that caused by God’s wrath (e.g., ; ).

And can you be baptized with the same baptism I am baptized with.

Blomberg, C. (1992). Matthew (Vol. 22, p. 307). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.

and be baptized with the same baptism I am baptized with. Jesus was speaking of the betrayal, unfair trial, the suffering, and the death he’d have to endure.

Jesus was speaking of the betrayal, unfair trial, the suffering, and the death he’d have to endure.

James suffered death early in the Church Age at the hands of Herod Agrippa I (), and John is thought to have died a martyr’s death near the end of the first century.

The Bible Knowledge Commentary 20:20–23

James suffered death early in the Church Age at the hands of Herod Agrippa I (Acts 12:1–2), and John is thought to have died a martyr’s death near the end of the first century.

The Bible Knowledge Commentary 20:20–23

This account illustrates again that the disciples did not understand Jesus’ teaching about humility (cf. 18:1–6). Peter’s question (19:27) also demonstrated a desire for position. This the disciples continued to discuss, even to the point of the Lord’s death.

This account illustrates again that the disciples did not understand Jesus’ teaching about humility (cf. 18:1–6). Peter’s question (19:27) also demonstrated a desire for position. This the disciples continued to discuss, even to the point of the Lord’s death.

Illustration: When we first acquired this land, we had to cut down many trees. Every Saturday for a couple of month, the men, came for three hours to cut down trees. It save us a great deal of money. One Friday afternoon, I got a phone call from a minister. He was looking for a church and proceeded to share with me his resume. It sounded like he wanted to be considered for a position at our church. I proceeded to tel him what time the service started. The structure of the service and I was looking forward to meeting him on Sunday to continue the discussion. Before we hung up, I said, It would be great if you could join me tomorrow because I would be meeting with the men, they would get a chance to meet him. And also for him to wear old jeans and work boots of tennis shoes because he could help us cut down the trees! He said, cut down trees, i said, yes. We acquired close to three acres and we are going to build on it but first we have to remove about 12 huge trees and this will save us money in the long run. He was excited and said, he always wanted to be with a church who was on the move!

Illustration: When we first acquired this land, we had to cut down many trees. Every Saturday for a couple of month, the men, came for three hours to cut down trees. It save us a great deal of money. One Friday afternoon, I got a phone call from a minister. He was looking for a church and proceeded to share with me his resume. It sounded like he wanted to be considered for a position at our church. I proceeded to tel him what time the service started. The structure of the service and I was looking forward to meeting him on Sunday to continue the discussion. Before we hung up, I said, It would be great if you could join me tomorrow because I would be meeting with the men, they would get a chance to meet him. And also for him to wear old jeans and work boots of tennis shoes because he could help us cut down the trees! He said, cut down trees, i said, yes. We acquired close to three acres and we are going to build on it but first we have to remove about 12 huge trees and this will save us money in the long run. He was excited and said, he always wanted to be with a church who was on the move!

That was around 17 years ago and I have yet to meet this minister of the gospel till this day!

(NIV)

24When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers.

25Jesus 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.

26Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,

27and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—

28just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

That was around 17 years ago and I have yet to meet this minister of the gospel till this day!

When the 10 disciples heard about the request by James and John’s mother, they became indignant. They were probably sorry they had not thought of it first! (cf. 18:1)

Jesus was of course aware of the friction evident within the group. So He called the Twelve together and reminded them of some important principles.

While some people (rulers and high officials) lord it over others, the disciples were not to do so. Greatness in the Lord’s kingdom does not come through rulership or authority but through service (20:26–27).

Jesus isn’t teaching them we shouldn’t aspire to be great! He is correcting their thinking and ignorance of how to become great!

Their goal should be sacrifice, serving, and suffering not selfish ambition! Those most highly esteemed will be those who serve, those who are humble.

The Bible Knowledge Commentary 20:24–28

When the 10 disciples heard about the request by James and John’s mother, they became indignant. They were probably sorry they had not thought of it first! (cf. 18:1) Jesus was of course aware of the friction evident within the group. So He called the Twelve together and reminded them of some important principles. While some people (rulers and high officials) lord it over others, the disciples were not to do so. Greatness in the Lord’s kingdom does not come through rulership or authority but through service (20:26–27). Their goal should be serving, not ruling. Those most highly esteemed will be those who serve, those who are humble.

There was no greater example of this principle than the Lord Himself. He did not come into the world to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.