Jesus Explains the Rewards/Leadership ~ Matthew 20:17-28

Landmark Baptist Santa Rosa

Pastor John Opferman 

10:00 AM

November 3, 2024

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Main Topics Discussed

Introduction

• Reflect on blessings, sacrifices, and our walk with God.

• Personal note: Visiting family, seeing legacy and ministry continue.

• Emphasis on the rewards for those who follow Christ, but also the price.

Setting the Scene

• Context of Jesus’ Journey to Jerusalem

• Jesus and disciples traveling toward His ultimate sacrifice.

• Foretelling His betrayal, suffering, and resurrection.

• Request from the Mother of James and John

• Desire for positions of honor close to Jesus in His Kingdom.

• Illustrates human tendency to seek status and recognition.

Key Themes

• The Cost of Following Jesus

• Jesus asks if they are willing to "drink from His cup" and "be baptized with His baptism."

• The cup: Symbolizing suffering and sacrifice.

• Baptism: Denotes sharing in Christ’s purpose and mission, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

• Jesus clarifies that such roles come with trials and challenges.

• The Role of Suffering in a Believer's Life

• Jesus acknowledges that His followers will face persecution.

• Following Christ means embracing both blessings and the difficulties that come with discipleship.

• Highlights the hundredfold blessings for sacrifices made, but also warns of the trials.

• Servanthood as the Path to Greatness

• Jesus redefines greatness: True greatness in God’s kingdom is found in serving others.

• Contrasts with worldly authority, where rulers dominate.

• “Whoever desires to be chief among you, let him be your servant.”

• Jesus, the ultimate example, came “not to be ministered unto, but to minister.”

Teaching Points

• Understanding the Request for Positions of Honor

• Importance of humility and service over status and position.

• Jesus cautions against asking for honors without understanding the cost involved.

• Spiritual Authority Through Service

• The greatest leaders are those who serve others selflessly.

• Our role is not to be rulers, but servants who minister and care for others.

• Aligns with God’s kingdom principles, where leadership is servant-hearted.

• The Example of Christ

• Jesus exemplifies true servanthood by laying down His life as a ransom.

• His sacrifice models ultimate humility and dedication to God’s mission.

• Even post-resurrection, Jesus continues to serve His people, embodying eternal servanthood.

Practical Application

• Counting the Cost

• Reflect on what we are willing to surrender to follow Christ more fully.

• Pursuing spiritual rewards requires dedication, perseverance, and sometimes suffering.

• Embracing Servanthood in Daily Life

• Serve others with joy and humility, as a reflection of Christ’s love.

• Let our actions prioritize others’ needs and welfare, embodying Christ’s love.

Conclusion

• The call to follow Jesus is a call to servanthood, sacrifice, and reward.

• Seek the blessing of being close to Christ, understanding that it comes with trials and responsibilities.

• Pray for strength to drink from the same cup, be baptized with His baptism, and live a life of selfless service.

Closing Prayer

• Thank God for the truth and encouragement from His word.

• Ask for wisdom and strength to live as faithful servants, worthy of the blessings of Christ’s Kingdom.

Biblical References 

• Matthew 20:17-28

• Verse 17: "And Jesus going up to Jerusalem took the twelve disciples apart in the way, and said unto them,"

• Verse 18: "Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn him to death,"

• Verse 19: "And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him: and the third day he shall rise again."

• Verse 20: "Then came to him the mother of Zebedee's children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him."

• Verse 21: "And 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."

• Verse 22: "But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able."

• Verse 23: "And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father."

• Verse 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."

• Verse 26: "But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;"

• Verse 27: "And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:"

• Verse 28: "Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many."

• Mark 10:29-30

• Verse 29: "And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's,"

• Verse 30: "But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life."

• Acts 1:5

• "For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence."

• John 15:5 

• "Without me, ye can do nothing."

• Matthew 19:30 (referred to as "the last shall be first, and the first shall be last")

• Hebrews 1-2 (paraphrased discussion of Christ's greatness over angels and His humility)

Reflection Questions 

1. When Jesus asked if the disciples were able to "drink of the cup" and "be baptized with the baptism," He emphasized the sacrifices required for discipleship. How can I prepare my heart to embrace both the blessings and challenges that come with following Christ?

2. The mother of James and John sought a place of honor for her sons, unaware of the cost. What areas of my life might I be seeking recognition or favor, and how can I shift my focus to serving others with humility?

3. Jesus teaches that "whoever will be great among you, let him be your minister." In what ways can I take on a servant-hearted approach in my relationships, workplace, or community this week?

4. Jesus repeatedly shares His path of suffering and resurrection, but His disciples often miss its full significance. What message might God be trying to communicate to me that I haven’t fully grasped, and how can I open myself more to His guidance?

5. Rewards in God's kingdom often come with a price, as Jesus reminds us. How does my desire for spiritual rewards align with my willingness to endure hardships or inconveniences for the sake of my faith?

Daily Activities 

1. Practice Servant Leadership for a Week

• Activity: Identify one area in your life (work, home, church, or community) where you can practice servant leadership. Each day, take a specific action to put others’ needs before your own, whether through listening, helping with tasks, or offering support.

• Application: Reflect on the impact this has on you and those around you, noticing any changes in your relationships and understanding of servanthood.

2. Commit to a "Cup of Suffering" Challenge

• Activity: Think of a personal sacrifice you can make to grow in faith and endurance, such as giving up a comfort or dedicating extra time to prayer or service.

• Application: Use this as an opportunity to reflect on what it means to “drink from the cup” as Jesus did, embracing both the blessings and challenges of faith.

3. Read and Memorize Key Verses

• Activity: Select key verses from the sermon (e.g., Matthew 20:26-28) and commit them to memory. Recite these verses daily.

• Application: Consider how these verses shape your understanding of greatness and servanthood in God’s kingdom, letting these words guide your actions throughout the week.

4. Host a Fellowship Meal or Gathering

• Activity: Invite others to share a meal or coffee with you, particularly people you feel called to serve. Use this time to encourage, listen, and uplift them.

• Application: Reflect on how Jesus often used meals as opportunities to minister, and consider how this experience enhances your relationships and spiritual growth.

5. Participate in a Service Project

• Activity: Engage in a community service project or volunteer activity as an expression of servanthood.

• Application: Approach the experience with a mindset of humility and gratitude, embracing any challenges as part of the growth God has for you. Reflect afterward on how it strengthened your faith and commitment to living as Jesus did.