Problems Among The Followers Of Christ

Problems Among The Followers Of Christ

Matthew 20:20-28

The pastor and music director in Old First Church did not get along at all. And the music leader would get his point across by this song selection after each sermon. One week, the pastor preached on commitment and how we should dedicate ourselves to service. Right after the sermon, the music director led the choir in singing, "I Shall Not Be Moved." The next Sunday, the pastor preached on giving and how we should gladly give to the work of the Lord. The music director then led the song, "Jesus Paid It All." The next Sunday, the pastor preached on gossiping and how we should watch our tongues. The following hymn was "I Love To Tell The Story." The pastor became disgusted over the situation and the next Sunday he told the congregation he was considering resigning. The choir then sang "Oh, Why Not Tonight." When the preacher resigned the next week he told the church that Jesus had led him there, and Jesus was taking him away. The choir then sang, "What a Friend We Have in Jesus."

If you have been in church for any length of time, you know that the church is made up of people with problems. You can go all the way back to the beginning... as long as there have been people, there have been problems. Go to the Old Testament and follow the Children of Israel around for a while... there were problems among God¡¦s people. Read through the Gospels... there were problems among God's people. In several places in the Epistles, Paul addresses problems among God's people... And here in Matthew 20 we find that our Savior had to deal with problems among His most faithful followers.

Yes, Jesus Disciples had problems:

1) Some had problems with "PRIDE"

2) Some had problems with "PEOPLE"

3) And all of them had problems with"PERCEPTION" and "PRIORITIES"

I would like to take some time and look at these issues among the Disciples and preach on "Problems Among Christ's Followers"

In the preceding verses, for the 3rd time Jesus has revealed His impending death. The Lord¡¦s Disciples did not fully comprehend this revelation - Luke 18:34 But they didn't understand any of this. The significance of his words was hidden from them, and they failed to grasp what he was talking about.

After this tragic news, some of Jesus' disciples have a great concern ...ABOUT THEMSELVES! Notice: Among The Followers Of Christ:

I. THERE IS OFTEN A PRIDE PROBLEM - v20 then came to him the mother of Zebedee's children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him. 21And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom.

Let's consider for a moment those involved in this plea to Jesus... James, John & Salome

a. These two men are part of Jesus' inner circle.

b. They (along with Peter) have experienced things that the others did not get to see. {Transfiguration, healing of Jairus' daughter}

c. Salome was a faithful follower of Christ as well, she was among the first at the tomb on resurrection morning.

They come with what on the surface may seem like an honorable request...to sit on either side of Jesus in His Kingdom" - In the previous chapter Jesus had made a promise to His disciples - Matthew 19:28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

It is believed that James and John put their mother up to making this request to Jesus. Regardless, it is clear that they wanted it ¡...and thought that they deserved it! It is very possible that James & John had in mind, the order of the Sanhedrin. The President of the Sanhedrin sat in the midst of two rows of elders. on his right hand sat the "father of the Sanhedrin" ...on his left hand sat the "sage". These men took care of business in the absence of the president. These men possessed great power and authority. Apparently, James & John wanted power and authority! To put it plainly... they had a pride problem!

There are many of Christ's followers today who have the same problem! It is becoming a rare thing to find someone concerned about the glory of God. But there is no shortage of people who want to be in the spotlight.

Many times you will find people in the church:

- Who want to be seen and heard (usually they demand it!)