Sermons on Matthew 20:23:

Ambition

Contributed by Geoffrey Foot on Apr 4, 2017

James and John wanted to to sit at Christ's side in His kingdom - is this raw ambition? or is there something else here we can learn from?

Ambition Matthew 20:20 - 28 Today we see two of Jesus' closest disciple being ambitious, the request to sit at Christ's side in His kingdom. Ironically in Mark’s gospel it is James and John who actually come to Jesus with this request. In Matthew, today's gospel, it is their mother… ambition. ...read more

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

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

"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

Christian: What Kind Of Disciple Are You? Series

Contributed by Rick Crandall on Dec 6, 2022

How can we be better disciples? 1. Avoid distractions (vs. 17-21, 23). 2. Accept the difficulties of following Jesus (vs. 22-23). 3. Avoid pointless disputes (vs. 24). 4. Live with Christlike devotion (vs. 25-28).

Christian: What Kind of Disciple Are You? The Gospel of Matthew Matthew 20:17-28 Sermon by Rick Crandall (Prepared December 6, 2022) BACKGROUND: *Please open your Bibles to Matthew 20:17. In this verse of Scripture, Jesus has started His trip to Jerusalem to die on the cross for our sins. And by ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 20:17-28

Denomination: Baptist

Mrs. Zebedee

Contributed by Chuck Sligh on May 10, 2020

“Mrs. Zebedee,” the mother of James and John, gets a bad rap for her request to Jesus for places in the kingdom on the right and left hand of Jesus. Actually, there are some good qualities for mothers on Mother’s Day to emulate.

Mrs. Zebedee A Mother’s day sermon Charles Sligh May 10, 2020 NOTE: PowerPoint presentation is available for this sermon by request at chucksligh@hotmail.com. Please mention the title of the sermon and the Bible text to help me find the sermon in my archives NOTE: Adapted from a sermon by Melvin ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 20:20-23

Denomination: Baptist

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

Crowns And Rewards

Contributed by Roberta Karchner on Oct 20, 2018

When the disciples approach Jesus about spots in his Kingdom, he turns things upside down

A friend of mine this week said something that has resonated with me. She said that in her family, she was the designated worrier. Now, I admit, she has much in her life to be worried about, but that is her story. Our stories are different, but I can’t help but wonder if we have a designated ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:35-45, 1 Corinthians 9:24-25, 1 Thessalonians 2:19, 2 Timothy 4:8, 1 Peter 5:4, Revelation 2:10, Hebrews 12:2, Matthew 20:20-28  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

‘a Serving Church In A Selfish World’ Series

Contributed by Gordon Curley on Jan 20, 2019

Gospel Shaped Living – Week 3: ‘A serving church in a selfish world’ – Matthew chapter 20 verses 20-28 – sermon by Gordon Curley PowerPoint slides to accompany this talk are available on request – email: gcurley@gcurley.info

Reading: Matthew chapter 20 verses 20-28. SERMON OUTLINE: (1). Serving others is sacrificial (vs 17-19) (2). Serving others is not self-centred (vs 21-25). (2). Serving others is demonstrated by Jesus (vs 26-28). SERMON BODY: Ill: • Late in his life Winston Churchill took a cruise on an ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 20:17-28

Denomination: Brethren

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

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

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