Today I want to read and comment on an incident which showed the gap between Jesus of Nazareth and the hidden agendas of his closest followers. It is Matthew Chapter 20 v.20. ‘Then the mother of Zebedees’ sons came to Jesus with her sons (curious phrase that – think about it!) asking a favour’, and pardon my paraphrasing the conversation. ‘Grant that these two lads of mine be given the two top jobs in your Kingdom – your right and left hand men.’
‘You don’t know what you’re asking’, said Jesus. Then, addressing the two lads (he knew who had put mum up to it) asked them, ‘can you drink from my cup?’.
‘Certainly’, they said, thinking it to be a celebration feast and victory drink, an early sort of champagne knock about.
‘Then you certainly will’, he said, but knowing it meant rejection and death for following Him. ‘But to sit on my right and left hand when I’m crowned, are places already assigned.’
(I wonder would they, and their mum, have begged to take the places of the two thieves crucified on either side of Jesus?, for this is surely what he meant.)
Nevertheless, when the other ten heard about this bit of one-up-manship, they were indignant! Why? Because James and John had tried to jump the queue and get in first for the top jobs. So they were all as bad. All their personal and private agendas were showing: the longing for power, for recognition, for fame and fortune. No wonder Jesus told them this:
“You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave – just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20
I have known Christians who gave up careers which promised money, power and popular recognition, in order to follow Jesus, then to take up the same agenda but in His church.
A Prayer:
When you call us to be your servants and followers Lord, we join your servant church and then have to resist the spirit of competition. The seeking of recognition, and our name’s prominence all over again. Help us Lord to deny these selves and their agendas.
Now read Acts 8: 4-24Acts 8: 4-24
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
4 Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.
5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.
6 And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.
7 For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.
8 And there was great joy in that city.
9 But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one:
10 To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God.
11 And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.
12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. miracles...: Gr. signs and great miracles
14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:
15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
16
17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,
19 Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.
20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.
21 Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.
22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.
23 For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.
24 Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.
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