THE SON OF MAN CAME TO MINISTER
MATTHEW 20:20-28
Introduction:
Attitude is paramount in serving Jesus Christ. What you think of other people, other members of the church, even other churches in the area. Our attitudes reflect just how dedicated we are to the cause of Jesus Christ.
In this passage the mother of James and John had come to the Lord to ask that her sons might sit at the Lord right and left hand in His kingdom. The Lord states that to sit at His right hand was not His to give, but rather His Father would make that decision. However, He explains the basis by which the choice will be made.
I. WHOSOEVER WILL BE GREAT AMONG YOU, LET HIM BE YOUR MINISTER, v. 26. {diavkono” }
II.
A. One who executes the commands of another, especially of a master, a servant, attendant, minister.
1. Women by the cross, Matthew 27:55, “And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him:”
2. John Mark, a young preacher, Acts 13:5, “And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister.
B. A deacon,
1. One who chosen by the church, Acts 6:2-3, “Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. 3Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.”
a. Seven men of honest report, 2 Corinthians 8:21, “Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.”
b. Who are full of the Holy Ghost, Acts 11:23, “For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.”
c. Full of wisdom, Colossians 3:16, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”
2. The pastor assigns them their duties, to cares for the poor and needy in the church, Acts 6:3b, “whom we may appoint over this business.”
III. WHOSOEVER WILL BE CHIEF AMONG YOU, LET HIM BE YOUR SERVANT, v. 27
{dou`lo”}
A. One who gives himself up to another’s will, whose service is used by Christ in extending and advancing His cause among men, Matthew 23:11-12, “But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. 12And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.”
B. One who is devoted to another to the disregard of his own interests, 1 Corinthians 9:19, “For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.”
1. The example of Christ to do God’s will, John 5:30,
“I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.”
2. His example of obedience to the Father, Philippians 2:6-8, “Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”
IV. THE SON OF MAN CAME TO GIVE HIS LIFE A RANSOM FOR MANY, v. 28.
A. Jesus came to minister, Luke 22:7, “For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.”
1. Religion makes a show of their greatness with fancy and expensive robes, Matthew 23:27, “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness.”
2. Jesus came in humility to serve, “but I am among you as he that serveth.”
B. Our lives were forfeited into the hands of divine justice by sin, Romans 5:12, “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:”
C. Jesus laid down His life for a ransom.
1. He was made sin for us, 2 Corinthians 5:20, “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”
2. He was made a curse for us, Galatians 3:13, “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:”
3. He died in our stead, 2 Corinthians 5:21, “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”
CONCLUSION:
Jesus came to minister. He came to do the will of the Father. In so doing He became the Saviour of the mankind.
He is our perfect example in attitude and obedience to the Father. We live spiritually today because Jesus was a faithful minister of God the Father.
What is our ministry like in comparison to the example He left for us to follow?