HOW GREAT ART YOU?
Text: Matthew 20: 20-28
It seems today as in the past people love to be in a position of power.
Everywhere you look you see books or tapes to empower yourself.
People want to get to the top of the corporate ladder.
Sometimes compromising integrity as they go.
Feeling as if they deserve it, above others.
The mother of James and John, the sons of thunder, comes seeking position for her sons.
All good parents want their children to succeed.
The thing is the sons were right there with her.
They could have stopped her, but didn’t.
The idea of position was looking pretty good to them.
Even when Jesus confronts them, they say we are up to the task, if it means getting the position.
Jesus then explains greatness in His kingdom to them.
He tells them how to be great.
Which leads us to the Word of God and asks the question of us:
How Great Art You?
I. Greatness defined.
A. It is not as the world does it.
Mt 20:25 But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them.
1. Greatness in the world Lords over.
2. It is done from a position of power.
B. Greatness in God’s Kingdom takes another approach.
Humble yourself and let God exalt you.
Mt 20:26-27 But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:
1. If you want to be great. (Gr. Megas)
2. Minister ( Gr. Diakonos) wait on tables, Deacon.
3. If you want to be first. (Gr. Protos) First in line.
4. Serve (Gr. Doulos) a slave.
II. Greatness Comes When You Realize You Are Not Your Own.
A. The problem arises when we seek for ourselves.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.
B. It is not your life anymore.
Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
C. Giving up personal rights to serve others.
1. We are able to do this because we
know God is in control of our lives.
2. Jesus said it this way.
Luke 22:42-43 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.
III. Greatness Comes When We Take Up Jesus’ Towel Of A Servant.
A. Jesus washed His disciples feet. (John 13:1-17)
B. Happy are you if you do it. (Gr. Makarios) Blessed.
( Wash the feet of all who will come)
Conclusion: Jesus said if you want to be great in the Kingdom of God you must serve.
The servants heart is what God desires of us.
The question is “How Great Art You”
(Sermon as a result of the study “Jesus On Leadership” by C. Gene Wilkes)
