On the Way to Jerusalem

1) INTRO

a) The disciples had tunnel vision on the earthly Messianic Kingdom, they were ignoring/could not comprehend the concept of suffering servant of Isaiah 53

b) We are much the same...we want Jesus to give us the triumphal entry of our choosing, we want Jesus to conquer what we think is the threat

c) Like the disciples, we think Jesus is coming to meet our wants and self-centered desires, but in truth Jesus is coming to meet our true need to be reconciled to God.

d) Read and Pray

2) JESUS CONFRONTS EXPECTATIONS A 3d TIME (#1 Matt 16:21, #2 Matt 17:22-23)

a) v17 Jesus is leading the way to Jerusalem...going to His Passion (Death) and He pulled the 12 aside and while they were going

i) v18 We are going to Jerusalem I will be given over to the chief priests and scribes. They will condemn me to death

ii) v19 Handed to Gentiles To be mocked and flogged and crucified…

(1) This is like getting punishment for misdemeanor, federal and capitol

(2) Horrific image – complete opposite of the expectations

b) I will be raised on the third day

i) Tells them first to dismantle expectations, second to prepare them for what is to come so that they are not completely overwhelmed, MOST IMPORTANTLY PROOF OF HIS DIVINITY

3) 2 DISCIPLES MISS THE BOAT ENTIRELY…AGAIN

a) v20 Then the mother of James and John with James and John Knelt before him to ask…

i) It was customary for older women to be able to ask of men things that men would not ask, James and John put Momma Z up to this, but why?

(1) Perhaps they were still thinking about what Jesus had said a few days before, Matthew 19:28-29

(a) Must have stopped listening there because what does Matt 19:30 say?

b) v21 Jesus asked “What do you want?”

i) Momma Z: “Declare that these 2 sons of mine are to sit one on the right and the other on your left side, in your kingdom (HIGHEST HONORS)

c) v22 Jesus answered James and John, You have not idea what you are asking for...do you realize what is about to happen? Can you participate in what I am about to do?

i) CUP…sure there is the King’s Cup, to dine with the king, but Jesus had another Cup un mind:

(1) Ps 75:8 – God will judge with equity

(2) Isaiah 51:17 – Call to wake up

(3) Jer 25:15-16 – God will judgement for all people

(4) Rev 14:9 – 12 – The final judgement to come

ii) “We are able”...They clearly did not understand

d) v23 Jesus told them, you will drink my cup,

i) Apostle James was martyred in Acts 12:1-3

ii) Apsotle John – Died of old age but endured much hardship

(1) Rom 8:17-18 – We are all called to face the reality of suffering

(2) 2 Thess 1 – I HAVE MENTIONED THIS ONE SEVERAL TIMES IN THE LAST SEVERAL WEEKS…THOUGH DISCIPLES MAY SUFFER, THEY WILL RECEIVE IN THE KINGDOM A COMFORT AND RECOMPENSE BEYOND OUR IMAGININGS, AND WHILE SOMETIMES THE WICKED, THOSE WHO REJECT THE GOOD NEWS OF OUR LORD JESUS, MAY LIVE IN SPLENDOR, THEY WILL RECEIVE IN THE KINGDOM A PUNISHMENT BEYOND OUR IMAGININGS.

e) but to sit at my right or left is not mine to grant

i) it is for those whom it has been predetermined/prepared by my father…this is a direct reference not only to the two who would be crucified on the left and right of Jesus enthroned on the cross, but also to the fact that it is by God’s grace and not merit that we enter into the Kingdom

(1) Matt 20 begins with a parable, v15-16...It is God’s generosity which drives who gets what

4) 10 DISCIPLES JUMP IN AFTER THEM

a) v24 The other ten (clearly also ambitious) are indignant with James and John

i) They may not have their mom’s around to go and ask but they were thinking it…how quickly they forget what Jesus had taught them in the weeks leading up to this moment, Matt 18:1-4

b) v25 Jesus called them over and said

i) You know that the rulers of the Gentiles, lord it over them

(1) Roman rule was seen as oppressive/despotic

ii) You know that their greats [elites] exercise authority over them

(1) v26 Not so with you…THE KINGDOM OF GOD CHALLENGES THE WORLD’S CONVENTIONAL VALUES

iii) Whoever would be great must serve (voluntarily)

(1) SUPPERIORITY OF AUTHORITY IS DISPLAYED IN LOVING SUBMISSION

iv) v27 Whoever wants to be first, must become a slave (must serve)

(1) SUPERIORITY OF POWER IS DISPLAYED IN GLAD HUMBLE SERVITUDE

5) JESUS SAYS I WILL SHOW YOU THE WAY

a) v28 The Son of Man came not to be served

i) Daniel 7:13-14 – Jesus is the Son of Man prophesied in Daniel and had the right to be served

b) but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many

i) Isaiah 52:13 - 53:12 – Jesus is the suffering servant of God prophesied in Isaiah

(1) Jesus is the substitute for many, a contrast between the one and the many, not to make a way possible but to accomplish fully the plan of God, to make fully effective salvation for those who are being saved

(a) Romans 5:15-17

(b) Revelation 5:9

6) EXHORTATIONS:

a) The Truth of God and the worthiness of Christ is not dependent upon His meeting our expectations or presuppositions, Jesus is the Messiah who paid the penalty of your rebellion, trust Him

b) It is easy for us to become infatuated with God’s Power and Protection

i) Don’t allow the circumstances of the moment to become a god to you

c) The great temptation we have is to the extremes, idleness or self-promotion

i) Against idleness remember: Col 3:23-24

ii) Against self-promotion: 1 Pet 5:6

(1) The words of John Calvin are a wise reminder: “Whoever is not satisfied with the free adoption of God, and desires to raise himself, such a person wanders beyond his limits, and, by unseasonably pressing himself forward beyond what was proper for him to do, is ungrateful to God.”

d) Remember Jesus conquered sin and death and teaches us how to be Kingdom citizen’s, freely

i) Philippians 2:1-11