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The New Reality In Christ I. Study Texts: Matthew 20:20-28; Luke 22:24-30 II. Theme: Jesus did not act like people expected God's Son to act. Think of the
significance of being God's son!
A human would expect God's son to think and behave as royalty. A human
would not expect God's son to think and behave as an humble servant. Christians are God's
servants. Christians do not feel, think, or behave as do people who do not
belong to God. Christians have different values, different standards, different interests, a
different focus, and a different life purpose. In many situations and circumstances, Christians do not "fit" in their culture or society. Why? As God's
servants, they are ruled and directed by the Lord who was a servant. This servant
became the Master in heaven and on earth.
Christians are a kingdom of servants who are ruled by the Lord who was a
servant. Christians exist as God's kingdom, citizens under God's rule, to be God's servants. III. Questions and Application Matthew 20:20-28 1. Who came to Jesus with her sons (verse 20)? a. Who were her sons (verse 20; Matthew 4:21)? b. She came to make a request of Jesus. In what manner did she approach him (verse 20)? 2. Jesus understood by her manner of approach that she wanted to make a request. What question did Jesus ask her (verse 21)? 3. What request did she make of Jesus (verse 21)? 4. What question did Jesus ask her sons (verse 22)? What was their answer? 5. What was Jesus' response to the request (verse 23)? Who would make that decision? Why? 6. How did this request affect the other ten disciples (verse 24)? Why? 7. What did Jesus tell them about the rulers of the Gentiles [the rulers of people who did not follow God] (verse 25)? 8. Jesus said in his kingdom no one would lord it over others and no one would "exercise authority over them." a. How does a person become great [significant, important, of position] in Jesus' kingdom (verses 26,27)? b. Why (verse 28)? c. In this statement, Jesus gave two reasons for his coming. What were they (verse 28)? Luke 22:24-30 1. What dispute did the disciples have (verse 24)? 2. What do the kings of the Gentiles do (verse 25)? Who are called "Benefactors?" 3. What behavior and demeanor should the most significant person in Jesus' kingdom exhibit (verse 26)? 4. What behavior and demeanor should the leader exhibit (verse 26)? 5. Share how Jesus demonstrated that those in
his kingdom's leadership roles behaved distinctly different from those in leadership roles in other kingdoms (verse 27). 6. What had the disciples done for Jesus (verse 28)? 7. God gave Jesus a kingdom. What would Jesus in turn give to his twelve disciples (verses 29, 30)? 8. What road must they travel to receive those gifts? 9. Do you think Jesus was stating that they
would receive these positions of honor in God's kingdom on earth or in God's heavenly kingdom after death and the judgment? Why? IV. Conclusion: The
path to greatness in God's kingdom is traveled by the believer who serves.
God's kingdom is composed of unassuming people who
serve. In God's kingdom people lead by humble example, not through authority.
In God's kingdom, faith is in God's power, not human ability. |