The Distinctions of Discipleship (Sermon 2)

The Distinction of Servanthood

Matthew 20:25–28 ESV

25 But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 26 It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, 28 even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

DT: When we become disciples we are different from the world and serve God and our fellow man.

AIM: We will serve graciously

Introduction:

I think most of us have had the desire to be important or feel important. Whether it’s on the job, at home, or in our circle. But Jesus teaches in this passage the necessity of being a servant who glorifies God.

Disciples Must Be Devoted to Serving Others

Matthew 20:25–26 ESV

25 But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 26 It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant,

Jesus teaches that the attitude of the disciple is different from those of the world. Disciples have a different approach toward other people. They are not looking to lord over others but serve other people.

There are two words I wish to highlight in this portion of the text. The first is “lord over” this is one word in the original text.

define lord over- This verb means to rule or reign by exercising authority over.

It is a description of people who are absorbed with their power and position. These people look for moments to remind people of who they are. But Jesus says, disciples do not act like that. Disciples are different.

There are people who look for opportunities to prove who they are and how much they know. They tell people how great they are and who they are. They give you all of their titles.

Disciples do not seek opportunities to rule; disciples seek opportunities to serve.

define servant- This noun denotes a person who renders service.

Why is important that I mention this? Well because the point of Jesus’ statement is that His disciples cannot be unwilling to do for other people. Disciples cannot be selfish and looking for things in return but must minister/ serve other people.

ILLUS: This is the same word that we get the word deacon. Being a deacon does not mean you sit high and bark out order. It means you are a servant. You minister.

Application: Place serving other people as a priority in your life. Live with a mindset to minister to people. Serve because it is right not for what you can receive.

Disciples Have the Heart of A Servant

Matthew 20:27 ESV

27 and whoever would be first among you must be your slave,

Many people find difficulty with this portion of the text because of the usage of the word slave. But Jesus requires us to relinquish our preferences and our positions in our heart so that we can serve Him better.

Define slave- This noun denotes one who is a slave in the sense of becoming the property of an owner

It means the person has not reserved himself from exposure of being told what to do or asked to do something without feeling bad. Jesus says, if you want to be first you are going to have to give up your identity as a top dog. You are going to have to see yourself as a servant to other people.

The heart of the disciple is a servants heart. How do you know if you have a servant’s heart?

Never should the disciple be one to say I am not your slave. I am not your servant. I am not your _______________.

ILLUS:

Application: Be humble enough to do for other people. Do not become angry and hostile when people ask you to serve them. Be excited about being a servant. If you are a leader in the church, serve. People with a servant’s heart do not quit!

Christ Is Our Example of Servanthood

Matthew 20:28 ESV

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

Jesus says to his disciples, “If I can do it, you can do it”. Jesus exemplifies the purpose of each of us. That purpose is to glorify God and edify one another.

Philippians 2:7–8 ESV

7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.