Read Matthew 20:20-28
Excuse Me, But I’m Supposed To Be Ahead Of You Not Behind You.
The mother of James and John, two disciples of Jesus, they came to Jesus. She didn’t ask Jesus a question but rather told him to command that in his kingdom that her two sons may sit one on his right and one on his left.
Jesus said, “You don’t know what you are asking for.” Meaning, his kingdom is greater than any Earthly Kingdom. Plus, there’s a lot at stake to follow Jesus and be chosen to sit next to him. So Jesus asked the two sons, “Are you able to drink the cup I’m about to drink?” They said yes we are! Jesus acknowledged that they would drink from his cup but to those who are chosen to sit next to him is determined by his father, God.
The other 10 disciples became indignant of the two wanting to sit next to Jesus in his kingdom. So Jesus called the 12 together so that they may learn what it means to be great for the kingdom. It’s not about where you sit, or the position you hold, or your title. It’s all about having a servant’s heart. It’s about being willing to give up your life for the cause of Christ.
The Earthly definition of greatness falls very short of the Heavenly definition of greatness. On earth, people want to be recognized as having a position of power and money. It’s about how you dress. Everything is focused on outward appearance. But when we think of a Heavenly kingdom, it’s about the attitude of one’s heart. It’s how you treat other people. How you love them. It’s how you serve them. It’s seeing a need and wanting to stop and help. It’s not about clicking your fingers and getting one of your subordinates to take care of the need. It’s being willing to get dirty, be ridiculed, be ostracized. It’s willing to sacrifice your time, money, and even one’s life if necessary.
Don’t get me wrong! We should strive to look good, dress nice, and it’s even okay to have possessions, but it isn’t what defines us. That’s why some poor person on the street may sit closer to Jesus in heaven because he understood the call of Christ: love God and love others. That’s more attractive than having a lot of stuff with a selfish heart versus a servant’s heart. If God blesses you with possessions then use it to be a blessing to others. Just be careful that your desire for possessions doesn’t become your Passion versus having a Passion to serve those around you.
