Sermons on Matthew 20:20:

Ambition Of James And John Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Jan 3, 2018

James and John were naturally talented and dedicated to the Lord. Their mother, just like many mothers today, wanted the best for her children, and so a few days before Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, she made a request in behalf of her children.

April 20, 2006 Near Jordan (37) Ambition of James and John Matthew 20:20-28, Mark 10:35-45 20 Then came to him the mother of Zebedee’s children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him. From Matthew 4:21 we know that the two sons of Zebedee were the apostles James ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 20:20-28, Mark 10:35-45

Denomination: Baptist

Welcome To Heaven

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Apr 28, 2022

As we enter many towns we see that they have a sign at the city limits that often tells us the name of the town and gives a BIG welcome to all who enter!

Signs can be very interesting, such as: • In a Non-smoking area a sign said: "If we see you smoking we will assume you are on fire and take appropriate action." • On Maternity Room door: "Push, Push, Push." • At an Optometrist's Office: "If you don't see what ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 20:1-20

Denomination: Baptist

Can You Drink The Cup? - Mark 10:32-40 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Jan 27, 2024

True greatness is when God says, “Well done” and has nothing to do with how you compare to others.

Mark 10:32 They were on their way up to Jerusalem, with Jesus leading the way, and the disciples were astonished, while those who followed were afraid. Again he took the Twelve aside and told them what was going to happen to him. 33 “We are going up to Jerusalem,” he said, “and the Son of Man will ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:32-40, Matthew 20:20-23

"Kingdom Power: Politics Or Service” Lent 5

Contributed by Clarence Eisberg on Mar 12, 2024

The illustration is a fictional story about "knowing the day of our death". Jesus knew why He was going to Jerusalem. The disciples believe the "kingdom" of the Son of Man, Daniel 7 is about to be fulfilled. Jesus turns Daniel upside down. Service!

In Jesus Holy Name March 21, 2024 Text: Mark 10:43b-45 Redeemer “Kingdom Power: Politics or Service” Years ago I heard or read a fictional story about a man who wanted to make a lot of money in the stock market. But there were just too many ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:43-45, Mark 10:35-45, Matthew 20:20-28

Denomination: Lutheran

Serving Like Jesus Series

Contributed by David Owens on Jul 28, 2024

One of God's major objectives for us is to be conformed into the image of His Son and one of the primary ways God wants us to conform to the likeness of Jesus is in our service. Jesus came to serve and to give and so we must also serve and give.

A. One day a weathy woman was interviewing a prospective butler and asked him, “Are you trained to serve guests?” 1. The prospective butler replied “Yes, ma’am, I have been trained to serve guests both ways.” 2. The woman looked puzzled and asked, “What do you mean both ways?” 3. The prospective ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 20:20-28, John 13:1-17, Romans 8:28-29

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Parable Of The Workers In The Vineyard: The Ranking System Of The Kingdom Of God Series

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on Sep 12, 2022

Today we’re in the vineyard. We’re in the grape fields. Very important in ancient times. Very important today, the wine and juice industry is huge. But we’re in the vineyard again. Last few weeks we’ve been in the vineyard.

Today we’re in the vineyard. We’re in the grape fields. Very important in ancient times. Very important today, the wine and juice industry is huge. But we’re in the vineyard again. Last few weeks we’ve been in the vineyard. Jesus as we know very often used common practices to explain deep spiritual ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 20:20-28

Denomination: Salvation Army

I’ve Got A Mansion…do You?

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Oct 28, 2022

A little boy got on the elevator with his father at the Empire State Building. They were going to the observation deck at the top and view the city.

• As the elevator ascended the boy watched the signs flash as they went by the floors: 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70. • The farther up they went, the more nervous the boy became. • Finally he looked up as his dad and said, “Daddy, does God know we're coming?” (Leighton Ford, "Hope for a ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 20:1-20

Denomination: Baptist

What Is Greatness?

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on Oct 10, 2024

Jesus our God came to serve. And even to die, to give his life as a ransom for many! To die for us, to empty himself of divine power and authority and serve those in need. That is true greatness.

I recall a meme I saw online, it had a picture of a janitorial supply cart and it said, "Called to ministry? This will be your first pulpit." Truer words were never spoken. My first five years in ministry I mopped a lot of floors, and believe me, I expect more floors in the future. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 20:20-21

Denomination: Salvation Army

We Believe Following Jesus Means Serving Like Jesus Series

Contributed by James Jackson on Feb 6, 2025

A Servant is Faithful, Available, and Teachable

Good morning! Please open your Bibles to Matthew 20:20-28. Before we begin, let’s pray? [pray] In 1859, three businessmen began work on an express mail service that promised to get messages between Missouri and California in ten days or less—an unheard of speed at the time. They began to build a ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 20:20-28

Denomination: Baptist

The Towel And The Throne: Greatness Redefined Series

Contributed by Kory Labbe on Oct 25, 2025

True greatness in God’s Kingdom isn’t found in titles or positions, but in the humility of serving others. Jesus redefined leadership by trading the throne for the towel, showing us that to lead is to love through service.

Introduction: “The CEO with the Mop” Good morning, everyone. It’s great to see you here today. We’re continuing in our “Live” series, where we’ve been looking at what it really means to be different — to live in this world, but not be shaped by it. Each week we’ve seen that following Jesus isn’t ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 20:20-28

Denomination: Assembly Of God

A Mother's Request

Contributed by Roger Hasselquist on May 12, 2025

Today, we are going to look at the mother of James and John, those two who were in the inner circle among the followers of Jesus. Their mother was a mom and like any other mom. She was looking after the best interest of her children. All she really wanted was for her kids to do good.

Alba 5-11-2025 A MOTHER'S REQUEST Matthew 20:20-28 A little boy was talking with the girl next door. “I wonder what my mom would like for Mother’s Day.” The girl answered, “Well, you could promise to keep your room clean and orderly. You could go to bed as soon as you’re told. You could brush ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 20:20-28

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

James The Servant And Leader

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Jul 21, 2025

We must expect daily to serve others and do so happily even to death. Jesus will provide the grace to enable our service.

Feast of St. James the Greater (Santiago) July 25, 2025 Today’s psalm is anchored in a particular moment of Israelite history. In 539 BC, King Cyrus of Persia conquered the Neo-Babylonian empire and issued a decree that permitted, even encouraged the people exiled to Babylon to return to Judea and ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:7-15, Psalm 126:1-6, Matthew 20:20-28, Galatians 2:20

Denomination: Catholic

The Kingdom Way – Grace Over Fairness. Matthew 20 Series

Contributed by William Akehurst on Aug 9, 2025

MATTHEW 20: GRACE, GREATNESS and THE GOD WHO SEES. GOD’s kingdom operates on grace, not human merit. GOD’s grace defies human fairness, greatness is measured by servanthood, and spiritual sight is found in recognizing JESUS.

2025.08.10. Sermon Notes. THE KINGDOM WAY – GRACE OVER FAIRNESS. Matthew 20. GRACE, GREATNESS and THE GOD WHO SEES. William Akehurst, HSWC SCRIPTURES: Matthew 20:1-34, Romans 9:15-16, Ephesians 2:8-9, 2 Peter 1:10-11, Revelation 22:17, Matthew 7:21-23, John 15:16, James 4:6, Ephesians 4:1 BIG ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 20:1-34, Romans 9:15-16, Ephesians 2:8-9, 2 Peter 1:10-11, Revelation 22:17, Matthew 7:21-23, John 15:16, James 4:6, Ephesians 4:1  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Wow! Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Oct 1, 2023

When is the last time you stopped to think about the WOW moments God has placed in your life? Consider these thoughts as our Family Minister walks us through several WOW moments in the life of the apostle John.

Our current sermon series is entitled “Words to Live By.” Last week, we talked about “Help.” Today, we’re going to look at the word, “Wow.” We’re going to look at how God acts in our lives and leaves us saying, “Wow!” I was once told a story about a boy that was drawing a picture. When his father ...read more

Scripture: Luke 5:4-7, Luke 8:40-42, Luke 8:49-56, Luke 9:28-36, Matthew 20:20-28, Luke 9:49-50, Luke 9:52-55, Mark 13:1-3, Mark 14:32-42, John 19:25-27, Revelation 4:1-11  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Who Crucified The Lord Jesus Christ?

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Oct 13, 2023

There are many misconceptions in life. A magician with his pet parrot was performing tricks on a cruise ship.

Each night while performing his tricks, he would wave his magic stick and “poof,” something would disappear. However, his parrot kept telling on him saying, • “It's up his sleeve!” • “It's in his pocket!” • “It's in his shoe!” • “It's in his back pocket!" This ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 27:35-42, Matthew 20:20-24

Denomination: Baptist